GAS-COOLED REACTORS IN THE USA: A SURVEY AND RECOMMENDATION

A study was made of approximately 132 reports on gascooled reactors and related subjects. Charts and tables containing the following information are included: all available reactor information, reactor flow diagrams of suggested concepts, possible core arrangement at core cross section, typical fuel and moderator cell. possible fuel types for unit fuel cell, the properties of materials for moderators and reflectors. the compatibility of gases and base fuel materials at maximum surface temperatures, maximun interfacs temperatures of fuel elements and core-jacket combinations, allowable operating temperatures and compatibility of gases and various metals. prefenences for gas coolants, cost and availability of gases plant thermal cycle efficiencies, thermal properties of gases, pumping power and reactor coolant inlet temperatures, obtainable heat fluxes, composition and physical properties of potential cladding materials. atomic and themal properties of cladding materials. fabrication characteristics and costs of cladding materials. possible process applications of gases at high temperature, and potential high-temperature materials. The various categories of gas-cooled reactors and examples of each type are discussed. A gas reactor program for high-temperature experimentation is proposed. (M.C.G.