Citation

Silady FA, Parme LL. Energy 1991; 16(1-2): 407-416.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0360-5442(91)90119-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Modular High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (MHTGR) is an advanced reactor concept under development in a cooperative program involving the U.S. Government, the nuclear industry, and the utilities. The design utilizes the basic high-temperature gas-cooled (HTGR) features of ceramic fuel, helium coolant, and a graphite moderator. However, the specific size and configuration of the MHTGR are selected to utilize the inherent characteristics of these materials to develop passive safety features that provide a significantly higher margin of safety than current generation reactors. The design meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Protective Action Guidelines at the site boundary, hence precluding the need for sheltering or evacuation of the public during any licensing basis event. This safe behavior is not dependent upon operator action, is insensitive to operator error, and does not require a leak tight containment building.

A safety summary is provided of the response to events challenging the functions relied on to retain radionuclides within the coated fuel particles. The regulatory interaction process and results are discussed through reviews of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff, NRC contractor and Advisory Committee for Reactor Safeguards (ACRS). Insights from the NRC's Draft Safety Evaluation Report are discussed.