Operational and safety characterization of the SPR-IIIM fast burst reactor

SPR-IIIM is a modernized, improved version of SPR-111. The new system is expected to improve overall reliability and performance while reducing personnel dose and maintenance frequency. A description of the SPR-IIIM reactor and its features are presented in this paper along with plans for characterizing the reactors operational and safety characteristics. Enhancements of SPR-IIIM include a larger central irradiation cavity, 7.5 in. ID, a self-aligning safety block, spring-loaded fuel clamping, forced flow cooling across fuel plate gaps, and larger diameter hollow shafts with precision spline bearings support the reflector control elements.