The initial development plans for the six reactor designs, soon after the release of Generation IV International Forum (GIF) TRM in 2002, were characterized by high ambition [1]. Specifically, the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and very-high temperature reactor (VHTR) gained significant attention and were expected to reach the validation stage by the 2020s, with commercial viability projected for the 2030s. However, these projections have been unrealized because of various factors. The development of reactor designs by the GIF was supposed to be influenced by events such as the 2008 global financial crisis, 2011 Fukushima accident [2, 3], discovery of extensive shale oil reserves in the United States, and overly ambitious technological targets. Consequently, the momentum for VHTR development reduced significantly. In this context, the aims of this study were to compare and analyze the development progress of the six Gen IV reactor designs over the past 20 years, based on the GIF roadmaps published in 2002 and 2014. The primary focus was to examine the prospects for the reactor designs in relation to spent nuclear fuel burning in conjunction with small modular reactor (SMR), including molten salt reactor (MSR), which is expected to have spent nuclear fuel management potential.
The ever increasing requirements on today's compacts with regard to their geometry and precision call for flexible high-precision and most capable production systems. DORST Technologies has coped with these requirements by developing the new HP series for pressing forces between 1600 kN and 16000 kN and the new HS series for pressing forces between 150 kN and 1200 kN. These fully hydraulic presses featuring upper ram, lower ram, core rod, filler, up to 4 lower tool levels and up to 4 upper tool levels with closed-loop controlled movements. Thanks to latest servo technology and an electronic bus system it is possible to have all movements closed-loop controlled in the desired relation to each other. Thus, today's hydraulic presses provide high stroke rates, low energy consumption and a user-friendly interface. The input of data is carried out via clearly arranged screen masks on a touch-screen. The innovative DORST (Intelligent Program Generator) has been designed to support the set-up staff in preparing and optimizing the toolprogram. The combination of the machine type with the hydraulic unit determines the productivity in consideration of the specific application and the part to be pressed. Thanks to the closed-loop control circuits, DORST hydraulic automatic presses of the latest generation ensure unmatched precision and repeatability - and consequently process reliability - often without necessitating subsequent machining steps.