Boiling Nuclear Superheater (BONUS) Reactor Facility

BONUS was a prototype whose objective was to assess the economic and technical feasibility of the integral boiling superheating concept. The construction of BONUS started in 1960, and the reactor had its first controlled nuclear chain reaction on April 13, 1964. In September 1965 full power operation was achieved with 50 MW thermal power, and steam temperatures of 900°F (482°C).[2]

Operation of the BONUS reactor was terminated in June 1968 because of technical difficulties and the ensuing need for high-cost modifications. The Puerto Rico Water Resources Authority decommissioned the reactor between 1969 and 1970. During decommissioning, all special nuclear materials (fuel) and certain highly activated components (e.g., control rods and shims) were removed from the island to the US mainland, all piping systems were flushed, the reactor vessel and associated internal components within the biological shield were entombed in concrete and grout, and systems external to the entombment were decontaminated. Many contaminated and activated materials were placed in the main circulation pump room beneath the pressure vessel and entombed in concrete.[2]

General decontamination of the reactor was performed with the goal of meeting unrestricted use criteria in all accessible areas of the building. Residual radioactive materials remaining in the structure were isolated or shielded to protect site visitors and workers. During subsequent years, more radioactive contamination was identified in portions of the building, and additional clean-up and shielding activities were conducted in the 1990s and early 2000s.[2]

Perspective of the BONUS containment building in Puerto Rico [3]

The reactor is one of two boiling-water superheater developed in the United States. The principle of operation is boiling water in the center of reactor (likewise BWR) and passing this steam by the rest of reactor, superheating this steam to drive a turbine generator.[4]