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Conference Article: The spherical fuel element as extremely effective barrier for fission products in the HTR module

Abstract

The HTR Module concept is the approach followed by the KWU group to design a nuclear energy source that offers maximum flexibility regarding plant power rating and the type of direct or indirect heat application. The limitation of the thermal power to approximately 200 MW and of the mean power density to 3 MW/m³ guarantees an inherent limitation of the fuel temperatures to a maximum of about 1600 deg. C even for the worst beyond-design incidents. Adherence to this 1600 deg. C limit ensures that the fuel remains intact and that fission product release is not influenced by material decomposition. The extremely effective barrier function of the fuel itself leads to such low dose rates outside the reactor that plants with Module reactors are suitable for industrial sites and locations with a high population density.

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Reference:

Specialists' meeting on fission product release and transport in gas-cooled reactors Berkeley (United Kingdom) 22-25 Oct 1985

International Atomic Energy Agency, International Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors, Vienna (Austria)

IWGGCR--13, pp:182-207