Suspended-Bed Reactor preliminary design, /sup 233/U--/sup 232/Th cycle. Final report (revised)
The preliminary design Suspended-Bed Reactor is described. Coated particles about 2 mm in diameter are used as the fuel. The coatings consist of three layers: (1) low density pyrolytic graphite, 70 ..mu.. thick, (2) silicon carbide pressure vessel, 30 ..mu.. thick, and (3) ZrC layer, 50 ..mu.. thick, to protect the pressure vessel from moisture and oxygen. The fuel kernel can be either uranium-thorium dicarbide or metal. The coated particles are suspended by helium gas (coolant) in a cluster of pressurized tubes. The upward flow of helium fluidizes the coated particles. As the flow rate increases, the bed of particles is lifted upward to the core section. The particles are restrained at the upper end of the core by a suitable screen. The overall particle density in the core is just enough for criticality condition. Should the helium flow cease, the bed in the core section will collapse, and the particles will flow downward into the section where the increased physical spacings among the tubes brings about a safe shutdown. By immersing this section of the tubes in a large graphite block to serve as a heat sink, dissipation of decay heat becomes manageable. This eliminates the need for emergency core cooling systems.
- Research Organization:
- Georgia Inst. of Tech., Atlanta (USA). School of Nuclear Engineering
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-S-05-5273
- OSTI ID:
- 5011082
- Report Number(s):
- ORO-5273-1; TRN: 78-010629
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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