Antares startup achieves criticality in small modular nuclear reactor test, power generation still pending
By
John Timmer
Summary
A startup called Antares has achieved criticality in its small modular nuclear reactor design during an initial test, though it is not yet ready to generate power. The reactor uses TRISO fuel pellets contained within a graphite sheath to prevent meltdown and isotope release, while sodium is used to transfer heat to a heat exchanger. Some safety concerns remain regarding neutron escape and potential conversion of surrounding materials into unstable isotopes.
Source
bskyAntares startup achieves criticality in small modular nuclear reactor test, power generation still pendingarstechnica.comKey quotes
· 4 pulledAs long as your reactor can keep the TRISO pellets contained, then there should be no risk of meltdown or even the release of the most dangerous isotopes produced from the reactions.
There are still some safety concerns, as neutrons will still escape and can potentially convert some of the surrounding material into unstable isotopes.
But the Antares design surrounds the TRISO with a graphite sheath, which should slow most of these neutrons down.
To mitigate non-radioactive risks, the Antares design uses sodium to take heat from the reactor to a heat exchanger.
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