Engineering and design of fast reactors
The paper deals with the basic engineering aspects specific to a fast breeder reactor. The characteristic design features are mainly determined by the coolant being sodium and the fast neutrons in the core. Some particular properties of sodium, the high temperature and the large temperature differences impose severe requirements on materials and structures. Also the mode of operation, the protection systems and the auxiliary systems are strongly influenced by these conditions. The resulting engineering implications will be illustrated by describing, firstly, the core layout and the core components, secondly, the main coolant system layout and its auxiliaries and, thirdly, the design aspects of main components such as pumps, heat exchangers and steam generators.