Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (FHR) Core Vessel Transport Manual
Engineering execution standards for moving advanced modular molten salt reactor containment modules: precision cradles, continuous electrical blanket pre-heating, triaxial micro-G shock recorders, and dedicated NRC security convoys.
1. Hastelloy-N Vessel Cradling & Thermal Expansion Slide Bearings
Hastelloy-N (UNS N10003) exhibits a high coefficient of linear thermal expansion (~14.2 × 10-6 /°C). When vessels are shipped with internal electrical trace heating to prevent moisture or thermal shock prior to FLiBe eutectic salt loading, fixed mechanical lashings will cause severe buckling.
- • PTFE/Bronze Slide Plates: Fore-and-aft cradle interfaces equipped with virgin Teflon/bronze composite slide bearings allowing ±35mm longitudinal vessel expansion during heating cycles.
- • Elastomeric Saddles: High-temperature silicone dampening pads rated to 250°C installed between vessel ribs and steel transport bolsters.
- • Torque Verification: Tie-down turnbuckles fitted with real-time hydraulic strain washers to prevent over-tensioning.
2. Auxiliary Power & Nitrogen Blanket Purge Systems
MSR internal surfaces are pristine. Atmospheric oxygen or moisture reacts with trace fluorides to form hydrofluoric acid gas (HF) and causes stress corrosion cracking. The vessel core maintains a positive dry nitrogen blanket (>99.999% purity) at 3.0 to 5.0 PSIG throughout road transit.
3. NRC Category 1 Physical Security & Convoys
Under NRC 10 CFR 73, advanced reactor core components and containment structures require pre-approved security plans, continuous satellite telemetry tracking, and multi-state law enforcement escorts.
Request MSR Nuclear Transport Plan
Engage Exspeedite certified nuclear transport architects for SMR core vessel transport engineering and NRC compliance.