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What is Sodium Graphite Reactor?
The sodium graphite reactor is a typical liquid metal reactor. The arrangement of the sodium graphite reactor power plant is shown in the figure.
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| Sodium Graphite Reactor Power Plant |
It uses graphite as a moderator and liquid sodium as a coolant which reaches a temperature of about 850 degrees Celsius at a low pressure of only 7 bar.
In the primary circuit, the heat is absorbed by liquid sodium in reactor. The sodium becomes radioactive while it passes through the core and reacts chemically with water.
Therefore, the heat absorbed by sodium is transferred to secondary coolant sodium-potassium (NaK) in the primary heat exchanger which in turn transfers the heat in the secondary heat exchanger called a Steam generator.
Water leaving the generator is converted into superheated steam up to a temperature of 540 degrees Celsius. This steam is used for power generation in the steam plant circuit in the usual manner. The reactor vessel, primary circuit, and primary heat exchanger have to be shielded from radiations.
The liquid metal is required to be handled under the cover of an inert gas like helium to prevent contact with air while charging or draining in the primary and secondary heat exchangers.
See Also: Types of Nuclear Reactors
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