Chinese scientists from Tsinghua University have conducted critical tests of the melt-resistant high-temperature ball module (HRT-PM) nuclear reactor. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Joules.
The need for external cooling remains one of the main weaknesses of nuclear reactors. If heat is not removed, the system will start to melt, which can lead to radiation pollution. A similar situation occurred at the Japanese Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant in 2011, when the earthquake and tsunami damaged the cooling pumps. As a result, the reactors overheated and collapsed, releasing radionuclides into the environment.
The HRT-PM design uses less dense fuel rods than those used in nuclear power plant reactors. The new rods contain more graphite and less uranium, and the uranium fuel is encased in a shell. This system allows reactions to be slow and can withstand high temperatures for long periods.
During the test, the team ran the two HRT-PM reactors at full power and then cut off all external power, stopping the flow of water to the turbines.
Researchers then monitored the station for signs of a meltdown, but this did not occur. Instead, the temperature of the facilities stabilized within 36 hours.
Earlier scientists I learnedFollowing the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Japanese forests have begun to be cleaned of radiation.
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.