Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Fast reactor development programme in France

Le Rigoleur, C. (Direction des Reacteurs Nucleaires, CEA Centre d'Etudes de Cadarache, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France))

Abstract

First the general situation regarding production of electricity in France is briefly described. Then in the field of Fast Reactors, the main events of 1996 are presented. At the end of February 1996, the PHENIX reactor was ready for operation. After review meetings, the Safety Authority has requested safety improvements and technical demonstrations, before it examines the possibility of authorizing a new start-up of PHENIX. The year 1996 was devoted to this work. In 1996, SUPERPHENIX was characterized by excellent operation throughout the year. The reactor was restarted at the end of 1995 after a number of minor incidents. The reactor power was increased by successive steps: 30% Pn up to February 6, followed by 50% Pn up to May then 60% up to October and 90% Pn during the last months. A programmed shutdown period occurred during May, June and mid-July 1996. The reactor has been shutdown at the end of 1996 for the decenial control of the steam generators. The status of the CAPRA project, aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of a fast reactor to burn plutonium at as high a rate as possible and the status of the European Fast Reactor are presented as well as their evolution. Finally the R and D in support of the operation of PHENIX and SUPERPHENIX, in support of the ''''knowledge-acquisition'''' programme, and CAPRA and EFR programmes is presented, as well as the present status of the stage 2 dismantling of the RAPSODIE experimental fast reactor.

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key words: Fast Neutron Spectrum Systems, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
Advances in fast reactor technology. 30-st meeting of the International Working Group on Fast Reactors, Beijing (China). 13-16 May 1997
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--1015, pp:25-73