Reactor block and fuel handling

Preliminary studies of the reactor block and fuel handling of a high power reactor lead to the comparison of different designs leading to a choice using technological knowledge acquired with Rapsodie and Phenix. Since then, studies have been done concerning the following decisions: the number of pumps and heat exchangers, number and function of vessels, upper closures, and transfer and discharge systems. Several designs for integrated primary circuits have also been developed. After these studies, an adequate number of elements were touched upon in order to recommend a system with: four pumps and eight heat exchangers, a major vessel lined with a security vessel, upper closures comprised of low heat insulation which is completed by a transfer system with three rotating plugs, and the discharge crossing the base. The results of studies of the design of the primary circuit allow mainly for the choice of a solution of a low step relay or a siphon pump. The choice cannot be made, since additional studies are necessary