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US firm Nano Nuclear Energy and global engineering firm Howden are to collaborate on progressing the design phase for a primary helium circulator in a nuclear project.
The helium circulator is a critical mechanical subsystem responsible for circulating helium coolant throughout the reactor to transfer heat generated within the reactor core.
As one of the principal components supporting reactor performance, the circulator, for the Kronos MMR Energy system, will play an essential role in overall plant efficiency, thermal performance, and long-term operational reliability.
The system is designed to operate at a primary coolant pressure of approximately 6 MPa.
Howden, a provider of air and gas handling products, and now part of Baker Hughes after its , is leading the engineering design of the helium circulator, applying its expertise from decades of experience in helium turbomachinery and high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology.
James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear Energy, said advancement of the circulator design strengthens the technical foundation of the overall reactor programme and demonstrates the engineering execution essential for commercialisation.
Exact total mass inventories of the gas fill remain proprietary or undetermined at this engineering phase.
A helium circulator in a nuclear reactor uses a mass flow rate typically ranging from 1 to several kilogrammes of helium per second, driven continuously in a closed loop where the total system inventory contains hundreds to thousands of kilogrammes of pressurised helium gas, according to Science Direct.
