Replacement of Secondary Heat Transport System Components In the Experimental Fast Reactor JOYO

Kawahara, Hirotaka ; Kawahara, Hirotaka ; Ichige, Satoshi ; Isozaki, Kazunori ; Nakai, Satoru

A recently completed major upgrade of the JOYO experimental sodium-cooled fast reactor, to the MK-III design, increased its irradiation capability approximately four times. 0ne major change was a 40% increase in thermal power to 140 MWt, which necessitated the replacement of the heat exchangers. Each of the two coolant loops includes an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) and sodium pump in the primary system, and two dump heat exchangers (DHXs) and a pump in the secondary system. The heat transfer area of the finned tubes in each (air-cooled) DHX was doubled, compared to the old design, to achieve a 35 MWt rating, Major challenges in the replacement of secondary components, such as piping and DHX, were control of impurity ingress into the sodium system, and integrity assurance of the welding. Damage to existing components and systems was avoided during cutting and welding operations by taking measures to Prevent ingress of air into the sodium systems. The measures included use of seal b