Preliminary evaluation of the fixed and fluidized bed nuclear reactor concept using the IAEA-INPRO methodology

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through its INPRO Project has developed a methodology to evaluate the innovative nuclear reactors. Here is a preliminary application of this methodology to evaluate the Fixed and Fluidized Bed Nuclear Reactor Concept (FBNR). The FBNR is based on pressurized light water reactor technology. It is a small, modular, and integrated primary circuit reactor. It is an inherently safe and passively cooled reactor concept. FBNR in its first phase of development is a fixed bed nuclear reactor and in its next phase will be a fluidized bed nuclear reactor. FBNR in its advanced versions can use supercritical steam or helium gas as coolant, and utilize MOX or thorium fuel.