A survey on gas-bearing circulators of high-temperature gas cooled reactors

In development of multi-purpose high-temperature gas cooled experimental reactor VHTR with 50 MWt, the usage of gas-bearing blowers with high precision and environmental safety is one of important problems. A survey in this connection revealed the following: (1) Gas-bearing compressors are used not only in test loops but also in auxiliary systems. (2) Main circulators of self-acting gas lubricated bearings with jacking gas systems are practically used in case of Dragon reactor (20 MWt). (3) To develop a large gas-bearing blower (2,000 -- 3,000 HP output) for proven reactors, a hydrostatic gas lubricated bearing of large load capacity and high speed stability must be studied under reactor conditions. (auth.)