Development of fast breeder reactor technology in India. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Puthiyavinayagam, P.; Selvaraj, P.; Balasubramaniyan, V.; Raghupathy, S.; Velusamy, K.; Devan, K.; Nashine, B.K.; Padma Kumar, G.; Suresh kumar, K.V.; Varatharajan, S.; Mohanakrishnan, P.; Srinivasan, G.; Bhaduri, Arun Kumar
• Is Part Of: Progress in nuclear energy. Volume 101:Part A(2017)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Nuclear energy -- Fast reactor -- Breeder -- Neutronic performance -- Fuel cycle -- Metal fuel -- Technology development -- Sodium facilities -- Safety studies -- Material development; FBR Fast Breeder Reactor -- FBTR Fast Breeder Test Reactor -- PFBR Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor -- DAE Department of Atomic Energy -- IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency -- CEA French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission -- IGCAR Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research -- LHR Linear Heat Rating -- DHR Decay Heat Removal -- DND Delayed Neutron Detection -- SGDHR Safety Grade Decay Heat Removal System -- OGDHR Operational Grade Decay Heat Removal System -- IFTM Inclined Fuel Transfer Machine -- SADHANA SAfety Grade Decay Heat removAl loop in Natrium -- CDA Core Disruptive Accident; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 333.7924
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2017.03.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-1970

Abstract

Abstract: India is pursuing a three stage nuclear power program employing its natural uranium and Thorium reserves. FBRs form the second stage of the program linking the first phase with natural U and third phase with Th fuels. The saga of FBR technology development in India is presented in this paper. The valuable experience in design and operation of Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) is recounted briefly. The R&D for the techno-economic demonstration of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is explained including technology development for addressing manufacturing challenges and engineering full-scale qualification. Finally a brief projection is made on the developments for FBR600 with improved safety and economics as well as metal fuel technology for future experimental and power reactors to follow. Highlights: India's three stage nuclear program and Fast breeder reactor development in India. High performance of carbide fuel in FBTR. PFBR technology development and R&D. Engineering tests for full scale qualification. FBR 600 with improved economy and enhanced safety.