Technology Pre-Application Licensing Report on the Development of a Mechanistic Source Term Methodology for the Kairos Power Fluoride Cooled High Temperature Reactor (KP-FHR)

Project Objectives:

Develop and document a methodology for establishing the mechanistic radiological source terms of the Kairos Power fluoride-cooled, high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR) in preparation for obtaining NRC review and evaluation during the pre-application licensing phase of the KP-FHR development.

Description of the Project:

Kairos Power is developing a generation IV advanced reactor technology for deployment in the US. The technology is based, in part, on University of California, Berkeley, and DOE-sponsored university Integrated Research Projects (IRPs) for fluoride-cooled, high-temperature reactors. The design uses a form of the high-temperature graphite matrix coated TRISO particle fuel developed for gas reactors along with a low-pressure, chemically stable, molten fluoride salt mixture for the primary coolant. A key measure of safety for advanced reactor designs is the magnitude of the potential radiological source term, which refers to the types and amounts of radioactive material postulated to be released to the environment, resulting in dose to a member of the public following a credible event. Work performed by the Idaho National Laboratory in support of the Next Generation Nuclear Program (NGNP) indicated the source term for TRISO based fuels is significantly less than traditional fuels. Source terms are directly used in calculations of potential radiological consequences for licensing basis events.