IN-SERVICE INSPECTION AND MONITORING OF PROTOTYPE FAST BREEDER REACTOR COMPONENTS
V. Balasubramaniyan, S. C. Chetal, A. Selvaraj and P. V. Kumar Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Fast Breeder Reactor, in-service inspection, monitoring, main vessel, steam generator
ABSTRACT
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), a 500 MWe pool type sodium cooled reactor is presently under design. The designer is largely responsible for satisfying the requirements of the regulatory authorities with regard to the safe operability of the plant throughout the design life. To this end, it is necessary to design and arrange a system that enables In-service Inspection (ISI) and monitoring of critical components and to carry out the intended inspection activities throughout plant life to assure a satisfactory level of plant safety. Additional requirements of ISI could arise from economic considerations. In a sodium cooled fast reactor, emphasis is laid on continuous monitoring of selected operational parameters and periodic inspection of critical components influencing plant performance. This paper describes the ISI and monitoring strategy for the main vessel and steam generator of PFBR, the components which strongly influence the plant safety and economics.
Publication Source: Trends in NDE Science & Technology; Proceedings of the 14th World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, New Delhi, 8-13 December 1996.Vol. 2, pages 361 - 364 Publisher:Ashgate Publishing Company
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