Passive safety features of natural circulation integral reactors

Four fundamental functions must be provided for all nuclear reactors to prevent reactor damage and to ensure public safety: (1) maintenance of reactor coolant inventory; (2) decay heat removal; (3) reactivity control; and (4) containment of radioactive materials. The natural circulation integral reactor (NCIR) is designed to inherently provide the four safety functions for a limited period of time eliminating the need for immediate safety system activation, is supported by simple, passive (where possible) safety systems to provide the safety functions in the long term, and provides these safety functions in a way that does not negatively impact initial plant cost or plant operation. The safety features of the NCIR are described.