Publications Details
The PNC/SNL SERAPH advanced test reactor feasibility study
This study examined the feasibility of the Safety Engineering Reactor for Accident Phenomenology (SERAPH), a research reactor with the capability to perform a wide array of safety experiments important in the design of commercial nuclear reactors. The study proceeded in two phases. In Phase 1, the experimental needs were examined and a wide-ranging survey of many fuel/coolant options for the SERAPH driver reactor was done. In Phase 2, the most promising candidates identified in Phase 1 were studied in more detail. A reactor with heavy-water coolant, BeO-PuO{sub 2} fuel matrix, and a standard pin geometry was found to have the required experiment capabilities while using relatively current technology. A reactor with helium coolant, BeO-PuO{sub 2} fuel matrix, and a unique geometrical configuration was found to have significantly higher capabilities but with greater technical risk. 5 refs., 34 figs., 36 tabs.