VERSATILE TEST REACTOR
The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) is a collaboration between two universities, Oregon State University and Idaho State University, and two industry partners, TerraPower and Harris Thermal Transfer Products (HTTP), to design, build, and deploy a fast spectrum test reactor with high flux capabilities. The proposed neutron flux would be >4e15 n/cm^2-s. The outcome of this new reactor will provide experimentalists with a source of neutrons unique to the U.S. and fill a much needed gap in capabilities that are required to support science and technology innovation.
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This project has three objectives.
Objective 1: A comprehensive scaling exercise and analysis will be performed for a system comprising advanced heat transfer fluids (sodium, FLiBe, and FLiNak) using the hierarchical two-tier scaling (H2TS) methodology to understand the coupling between experimental loops placed within a conceptual VTR and the response of the VTR system. The outcome of this will provide an objective basis behind both normal operations and safety related transients with the VTR and will therefore create a design envelope for which future experiments may be deployed within the VTR.
Objective 2: An ex-pile thermal hydraulic facility will be designed that provides a mechanical and operational interface representative of that which will be utilized in the VTR with sodium as the working fluid. The outcomes of this effort will yield a facility that will accelerate shakedown, calibration testing of loops to be placed within the VTR, will facilitate training of operators that interface with experiments in the VTR, and will confirm and identify the thermal hydraulic phenomena that will be experienced within the VTR in-pile loops.
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Objective 3: A unique and comprehensive safety culture program will be developed associated with the working fluid of the VTR. This program will be manifested through a packaged course-based curriculum with the outcome of engaging relevant stakeholders to the VTR (INL operations, industry, universities, and local safety first responders) and providing ready operations of the Reactor upon its start-up.​
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The work has been split up into three main tasks. The first task is the scaling of Advanced Heat Transfer Fluids this will be done by Chad Nixon and Guillaume Mignot both of Oregon State University. The second task is the design of an Ex-Pile Thermal Hydraulic Facility this is being done by Wade Marcum of Oregon State University who will collaborate with Terrapower and HTTP. The third and final task is the development of safety culture. This is being done by Chad Pope. He will collaborate with INL and Terrapower.
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Dr. Pope's focus will be the safety of the reactor and the facility. Idaho National Laboratory has extensive experience operating large scale sodium activities, with EBR-II, but much of that institutional knowledge has atrophied over time. Without a well-developed robust sodium safety culture very early in the process, effective prevention and response programs will not be in place when needed and response to sodium induced fires such as those that occurred at EBR-II in 1968 can results in significant project impacts. The following picture shows consequences of a sodium fire at EBR-II. A diverse set of constituents must be considered when pursuing establishment of a modern sodium safety culture. The constituents include laboratory first responders, regional first responders, hazmat crews, technicians, engineers, and perhaps even local media.
