Containment of an Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor

The inherent features of the advanced gas-cooled reactor (A.G.R.) which serve to retain fission products within the system are described. The roles played by the fuel, fuel-can and primary pressure circuit are discussed and illustrated by reference to the Dungeness 'B' reactor design. Some possible additional safety features are described. The effects of possible fault conditions on the retention of fission products within the system are discussed and the extent to which the safety of the reactor depends on design features is evaluated. It is shown that the A.G.R. system provides an exceptionally high degree of safety without the provision of a conventional pressure-retaining secondary containment. (author)