Development of advanced loop-type fast reactor in Japan; Progress of design study based on preliminary assessment results

Sakamoto, Yoshihiko ; Kotake, Shoji; Aoto, Kazumi ; Toda, Mikio*

JAEA is now performing a FaCT project. The first milestone is in 2010; decisions about whether or not to adopt innovative technologies in the JSFR design will be made in the year. Preliminary assessment is underway to produce recommendations for final discussion. This paper describes some important progress in the preliminary assessment. As for the reactor system design, structural integrity against both thermal stress and seismic force was investigated. Then, the specification of the reactor system was established. Also, investigation of design options to extend a design margin against seismic force has been suggested. Regarding thermal hydraulics issues, design measures have been introduced to restrain cover gas entrainment and vortex cavitations. Further investigation is now in progress for design optimization or improvement of preventive effect. Concerning the piping design of primary cooling circuit, the creep strength reduction by Type-IV damage was taken into account.