Safety of a pebble bed reactor.

In summary, a pebble bed reactor is "safer" than a PWR or a BWR, but there is still a risk of an accident. A Western plant is designed with containment structures to protect the reactor from an aircraft crash.
  • #1
vanesch
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I heard and read several times that a pebble bed reactor is "safer" than a PWR or a BWR. However, I fail to figure out how. After all, light-water reactors also have negative temperature coefficients, which seem to be the "invention" that makes the pebble bed reactor "inherently safe". But I fail to see what's so fundamentally different between this type of reactor, and the old graphite-gas cooled reactors by the UK and the French, except that now, the reactor core is made out of pebbles instead of blocks...
 
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  • #2
Well, I had a nuclear reactor physics prof who specialized in HTGRs and his comment was, there could be an accident, e.g. LOCA, and one could scram the reactor, then go to lunch, order a nice bottle of wine and take one's time to figure out how to resolve the problem because the core wouldn't melt, and it could maintain its integrity even without forced cooling during the decay heat period. I don't imagine the nuclear regulators would take such a relaxed and casual attitude, but there is a certain level of confidence that the core materials can handle high temperatures without loosing integrity and releasing fission products to the environment.
 
  • #3
Astronuc said:
Well, I had a nuclear reactor physics prof who specialized in HTGRs and his comment was, there could be an accident, e.g. LOCA, and one could scram the reactor, then go to lunch, order a nice bottle of wine...

I always thought this was the russian way to handle a reactor accident (just using vodka instead of wine...)

seriously, what about one other favourite worst-case scenario: suicide-terrorist-flies-747-sized-aircraft-into-reactor ? would it provide a safety advantage in this case too ?
 
  • #4
Oberst Villa said:
seriously, what about one other favourite worst-case scenario: suicide-terrorist-flies-747-sized-aircraft-into-reactor ? would it provide a safety advantage in this case too ?
Western plants are designed with containment structures surrounding the pressure vessel and major components of the primary circuit. These have been tested against aircraft impact, and the modern plants are designed with that as a consideration.
 

1. What is a pebble bed reactor?

A pebble bed reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that uses small, spherical fuel elements called pebbles. These pebbles are made of a mixture of uranium oxide and graphite and are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures.

2. How does a pebble bed reactor differ from other types of nuclear reactors?

Pebble bed reactors use a different design and fuel type than traditional nuclear reactors. They operate at higher temperatures and pressures, have passive safety features, and use a reactor core made of graphite instead of water.

3. Is a pebble bed reactor safe?

When designed and operated properly, pebble bed reactors can be safe. They have passive safety features that make them less prone to accidents, and the fuel pebbles are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures. However, like any nuclear reactor, there is always a potential for accidents and safety concerns must be carefully evaluated and managed.

4. What are some potential safety concerns with pebble bed reactors?

One potential safety concern is the release of radioactive materials in the event of a core meltdown. Another concern is the potential for damage to the fuel pebbles, which could lead to a loss of coolant flow and overheating. Additionally, the handling and disposal of spent fuel from pebble bed reactors must also be carefully managed to ensure safety.

5. How are safety protocols and regulations enforced for pebble bed reactors?

The safety of pebble bed reactors is regulated by government agencies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the United States. These agencies set safety standards and regularly inspect and monitor reactors to ensure compliance. Additionally, reactor operators must have strict safety protocols in place and undergo regular training and drills to prepare for potential accidents.

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