As long as your reactor can keep the TRISO pellets contained, there should be no risk of meltdown or even release of the more 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 Antares’ design surrounds TRISO with a graphite sheath, which should stop most of these neutrons.
To mitigate non-radioactive risks, Antares’ design uses sodium to carry heat from the reactor to a heat exchanger. The heat is transferred to pressurized nitrogen, which then drives a turbine in a Configuration of the closed Brayton cycle..
At the moment, Antares is only testing what it calls a Mark 0 reactor, which is not connected to the power generation part. Instead, it is being used to validate the company’s modeling of the physical conditions in its reactors and generate safety data that can be used during license applications. Attempts to operate the entire system, including electricity generation, are expected next year.
While the work was done in a Department of Energy lab, the company is working with the Department of Defense. Pelé Project program for the development of a mobile nuclear reactor. The company has also received NASA support.
