85-kW MARVEL microreactor gets liquid-metal coolant ahead of criticality test

Idaho National Laboratory has received the primary coolant system for the DOE's 85-kW MARVEL microreactor, which uses a sodium-potassium alloy that stays liquid at room temperature. The first criticality test is expected in December after DOE approved the final safety analysis for a dry criticality configuration.

• MARVEL's primary coolant system arrived at INL in mid-September
• Coolant is a sodium-potassium alloy that needs no pressurization
• DOE approved safety analysis for dry criticality configuration
• First criticality test is scheduled for December