Three-dimensional imaging and precision metrology for liquid-salt-cooled reactors

Charles W. Forsberg, Venugopal K. Varma, Thomas W. Burgess

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The liquid-salt-cooled very high temperature reactor, also called the Advanced High-Temperature Reactor (AHTR), is a new large high-temperature reactor concept that combines in a novel way four established technologies: (1) coated-particle graphite-matrix nuclear fuels, (2) Brayton power cycles, (3) passive safety systems and plant designs previously developed for liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors, and (4) low-pressure liquid-salt coolants. The AHTR will require refueling, in-service inspection, and maintenance (RIM) with supporting instrumentation systems. The fluoride salts that are being evaluated as potential reactor coolants have melting points between 350 and 500°C, values that imply minimum RIM temperatures between 400 and 550°C. These salts are transparent over a wider range of the light spectrum than is water. The high temperatures, the optical characteristics of the coolant, and advances in metrology may enable the use of lasers to create three-dimensional images of the reactor interior to assist refueling, monitor vibrations in components, map fluid flow, and enable inspections of internal reactor components. A description of the reactor and an initial evaluation of the use of optical techniques for AHTR instrumentation are provided.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication5th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation Controls, and Human Machine Interface Technology (NPIC and HMIT 2006)
Pages371-378
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2006
Event5th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation Controls, and Human Machine Interface Technology (NPIC and HMIT 2006) - Albuquerque, NM, United States
Duration: Nov 12 2006Nov 16 2006

Publication series

Name5th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation Controls, and Human Machine Interface Technology (NPIC and HMIT 2006)
Volume2006

Conference

Conference5th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation Controls, and Human Machine Interface Technology (NPIC and HMIT 2006)
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAlbuquerque, NM
Period11/12/0611/16/06

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Three-dimensional imaging and precision metrology for liquid-salt-cooled reactors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this