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U.S. Department of Energy
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FFTF and CRBRP reactor vessels

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5154186

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor vessel and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant (CRBRP) reactor vessel each serve to enclose a fast spectrum reactor core, contain the sodium coolant, and provide support and positioning for the closure head and internal structure. Each vessel is located in its reactor cavity and is protected by a guard vessel which would ensure continued decay heat removal capability should a major system leak develop. Although the two plants have significantly different thermal power ratings, 400 megawatts for FFTF and 975 megawatts for CRBRP, the two reactor vessels are comparable in size, the CRBRP vessel being approximately 28% longer than the FFTF vessel. The FFTF vessel diameter was controlled by the space required for the three individual In-Vessel Handling Machines and Instrument Trees. Utilization of the triple rotating plug scheme for CRBRP refueling enables packaging of the larger CRBRP core in a vessel the same diameter as the FFTF vessel.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Madison, Pa. (USA). Advanced Reactors Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-3045-002
OSTI ID:
5154186
Report Number(s):
CONF-771217-9
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English