Development of features of LMFBR 'Monju'

The development of FBRs is being pursued since the middle of 1960s as a national program, centered in Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation. In its course the experimental FBR ''Joyo'' was completed in April 1977. The proto type FBR ''Monju'' is now under construction, which is equipped for power generation. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is involved in the Monju project with its comprehensive technical capabilities. In Monju, plutonium-uranium mixed oxide is used as the fuel. The coolant is sodium, its working temperature being sufficiently below the boiling point. There are three loops for the cooling system. The sodium being chemically active, any free liquid sodium surface is covered with an inert gas. Contents are the following: history of development, features of Monju, MHI's involvement in the Monju project, etc. (Mori, K.)