Testing of the EL4 Power Plant

The first tests of the core channels in the EL4 power plant were performed on the various prototype channels. The results obtained on channel structure - force tubes and guide rods in particular - are briefly noted in the paper. The power plant tests began on 15 March 1966 with the start-up of the turbo-blowers of the CO2 circuit, tested on an experimental loop. These trials revealed the difficulties in coupling the various machines and led to the production of new vanes, but they also confirmed the capacity of the machines to withstand neutron irradiation. A second important series of trials was begun in November 1966: by means of electric heaters the CO2 circuit and the reactor block were heated to 240°C (normal cold temperature of the circuit) so that the mechanical performance of these structures could be checked at this temperature. The reactor began to go into power operation in May 1967 after neutron tests in the cold. The paper gives the results of this operation up to September 1967. Also given are the results of tests made on the control-rod drive mechanisms, the heavy-water circuit, the filed-fuel element detection system, and the fuel handling equipment. (author)