An Organic Cooled Nuclear Reactor and Its Environment

Abstract

The operation of a nuclear reactor imposes certain stresses upon an environment as a whole, and upon the working environment in particular. Such stresses have been studied for many types of reactor, but the organic cooled reactor has so far received little public attention. The reliability of this reactor system has been demonstrated during a 5½-year operating period. Experience gained during this period in relation to radiation exposure, safety, toxicity of the coolant, and the effects of the reactor upon the environment is considered. The exposure of reactor operators to ionizing radiation has been only slightly in excess of the level permitted for the general public. There have been no explosions or serious fires. No harmful effects of the coolant have been demonstrated either in exposed personnel or in the surrounding environment.