Technical Program Plan for INL Advanced Reactor Technologies Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program

Abstract

High-temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs) are graphite moderated nuclear reactors cooled with helium. Their high outlet temperatures and thermal energy conversion efficiency enable efficient and cost effective integration with non electricity generating applications. These applications include process heat and hydrogen production for petrochemical and other industrial processes that require operating temperatures between 300 and 900°C. HTGRs will supplement the use of premium fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, improve overall energy security in the United States by reducing dependence on foreign fuels, and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)/greenhouse gas emissions. The HTGR design uses helium as a coolant, graphite as a neutron moderator, and ceramic particle fuel. Helium is chemically inert and neutronically transparent. The graphite core slows down the neutrons, retains its strength at high temperatures, provides structural stability, and acts as a substantial heat sink during transient conditions. The ceramic particle fuel is extremely robust and retains the radioactive by products of the fission reaction within the coated particle under normal and off normal conditions.