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All of the HTGR designs discussed in the article can easily absorb the excess heat generated in an accident by virtue of the high temperature coatings and smaller size of the reactors. This essentially means that the HTGR designs currently being studied would avoid any of the consequences of accidents such as the Three Mile Island (water-cooled reactor) or Chernobyl (Russian RBMK design reactor). Smaller reactors that cannot meltdown or explode combined with a lower water requirement mean that the HTGR could supply carbon-free power, desalinated water, or process heat depending on the particular needs.
The HTGR fuel is also better designed for disposal. The TRISO particles would be very resistant to the geologic conditions that may be present in a repository . The safety, modularity, and simpler design make the HTGR a path by which nuclear power may make substantial contributions to future sustainable development. This article will briefly discuss the early projects, current activities, and future potential of the HTGR to contribute to sustainable development.
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Robert Margolis
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Nuclear Waste and Graphite Flammability Robert Margolis | Sep 29th, 2002
Reviewing my article I realized that readers may have more questions regarding nuclear waste and graphite flammability. Here is some additional information links on these important subjects.
1) Attached an interesting website on the natural reactors at Oklo (contained high-level nuclear waste for two billion (two thousand million) years:
http://www.curtin.edu.au/curtin/centre/waisrc/OKLO/index.shtml
2) In addition, here is a description on graphite flammability:
http://www.ga.com/gtmhr/graphites_all.html
Feel free to post or contact me if you have any further questions.
Pebble bed reactor Robert Hargraves | Dec 28th, 2009
Nuclear power is key to global sustainable development. South Africa intended to export the PBMR (Pebble Bed Modular Reactor) within Africa (and also the US). The key criterion is "energy cheaper than coal", wich can not only stop global warming, but increase prosperity to achieve a lifestyle that includes sustainable populations.
You can visit my blog http://tigurl.org/qpt6md for a tutorial on the PBR.
I also advocate the Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR), especially for the cost goal. Check the Jan 2010 Wired or visit http://tigurl.org/g60epg
Thanks Robert Margolis | Dec 28th, 2009
Glad to see that the article still sparks interest (even after seven years). :-)
I keep in contact with some colleagues in SA and they are keeping up the work. Also, China continues to work on the HTR-PM in Shidaowan. The HTGR continues to makes its way among the more common technologies.
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