A Safety Re-Evaluation of the AVR Pebble Bed Reactor Operation and Its Consequences for Future HTR Concepts

Moormann, R.

doi:10.1115/htr2008-58336

Cited by 29 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(12 reference statements)

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“…The widely published advantageous features [1,8,12,40] of pebble bed HTRs are out of the scope of this paper. More detailed studies to these AVR/HTR problems are found in [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

AVR prototype pebble bed reactor: a safety re-evaluation of its operation and consequences for future reactors

Moormann

2009

Kerntechnik

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R. MoormannAVR prototype pebble bed reactor: a safety re-evaluation of its operation and consequences for future reactorsThe AVR pebble bed reactor (46 MWth) was operated 1967 -1988 at coolant outlet temperatures up to 990°C, which are suitable for process heat applications. Also because of a lack of other experience the AVR operation is a basis for future HTRs. This paper deals with insufficiently published but unresolved safety problems of AVR and draws conclusions for future pebble bed HTRs: Although the AVR was operated only for about 4 years at coolant temperatures > 900 8C its primary circuit is heavily contaminated with dust bound metallic fission products ( 90 Sr, 137 Cs), which create major problems in current dismantling. The end of life contamination reached several percent of a single core inventory. The AVR contamination was mainly caused by inadmissible high core temperatures, and not -as presumed in the past -by inadequate fuel quality only. The high core temperatures, which cannot be easily measured in pebble beds, are probably caused by the insufficiently examined pebble bed mechanics. Safety of future reactors requires a gas tight containment and in addition elaborate R&D or reduction of requirements concerning temperatures and burn-up.

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“…The widely published advantageous features [1,8,12,40] of pebble bed HTRs are out of the scope of this paper. More detailed studies to these AVR/HTR problems are found in [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

AVR prototype pebble bed reactor: a safety re-evaluation of its operation and consequences for future reactors

Moormann

2009

Kerntechnik

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“…The dust production estimate of 6.5 to 6.7 grams per year is very low compared to an estimated of 3 kg per year in the German AVR (Moormann, 2009). …”

Section: Dust Mass Predictionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Initial prediction of dust production in pebble bed reactors

et al. 2011

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Abstract. This paper describes the computational simulation of contact zones between pebbles in a pebble bed reactor. In this type of reactor, the potential for graphite dust generation from frictional contact of graphite pebbles and the subsequent transport of dust and fission products can cause significant safety issues at very high temperatures around 900• C in HTRs. The present simulation is an initial attempt to quantify the amount of nuclear grade graphite dust produced within a very high temperature reactor.

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“…Several reports, such as those by Dr. Moormann, 37 the Jülich Institut für Reaktorwerkstoffe GmbH, 38 36 and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) discuss the fission products of the elements. During the time of decommissioning and fuel removal of AVR, Dr. Rainer Moormann developed a reevaluation of the AVR.…”

Section: Pebble Bed Fuel Performance (Avr)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This damage mechanism leads to SiC damage above 2200°C, during heating at 50°C per hour. 37 Lessons Learned: Previous work done for the AVR regarding fission product mobility and high temperature fuel degradation could benefit the NGNP fuel design. NGNP fuel experiments are evaluating fuel temperatures in excess of 1600°C and rapid temperature gradients.…”

Section: Pebble Bed Fuel Performance (Avr)mentioning

confidence: 99%

High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors Lessons Learned Applicable to the Next Generation Nuclear Plant

Beck¹,

Pincock²

2011

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A Safety Re-Evaluation of the AVR Pebble Bed Reactor Operation and Its Consequences for Future HTR Concepts

Abstract: The AVR pebble bed reactor (46 MWth) was operated 1967-88 The AVR primary circuit is heavily contaminated with metallic fission products which create problems in current dismantling .

Cited by 29 publications

References 7 publications

AVR prototype pebble bed reactor: a safety re-evaluation of its operation and consequences for future reactors

AVR prototype pebble bed reactor: a safety re-evaluation of its operation and consequences for future reactors

Initial prediction of dust production in pebble bed reactors

High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors Lessons Learned Applicable to the Next Generation Nuclear Plant

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