Present status of HTTR and its operational experience

Iyoku, Tatsuo; Nojiri, Naoki ; Tochio, Daisuke ; Mizushima, Toshihiko; Tachibana, Yukio ; Fujimoto, Nozomu

A HTGR is particularly attractive because of its capability of producing high temperature helium gas and its inherent safety characteristics. Hence, the HTTR wasconstructed at the Oarai Research Establishment of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. The HTTR achieved the full power of 30MW and reactor outlet coolant temperature of about 850C on December 7, 2001. After several operation cycles, the HTTR achieved the reactor outlet coolant temperature of 950C on April 19, 2004. It is the highest coolant temperature outside reactor pressure vessel in the world. Extensive tests are planned in the HTTR and a process heat application system will be coupled to the HTTR, where hydrogen will be produced directly from the nuclear energy.