Small reactors for desalination — A natural uranium heavy water moderated and cooled type feasibility study

Efforts towards the utilization of nuclear power in desalination to satisfy Egypt´s long term water needs considered natural uranium heavy water moderated and cooled reactors as one of the promising prototypes. A feasibility study for a 40 MWth pilot plant was conducted and the main core features were determined. The concept comprised natural uranium metallic fuel, heavy water moderator and coolant in separate circuits, and aluminium alloy cladding and structural material. The design included a parametric investigation to determine optimum configurations. Results were shown giving cell and core details.