Gas-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactor. Conceptual design for a Helium Circulator Test Facility

The Gas-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactor (GCFR) Development Plant uses three helium loops to transfer heat from the reactor core to the steam generators. Helium flow in each loop is provided by a circulator driven by a 24,000 horsepower electric motor. Experimental verification of the circulator design is needed to demonstrate that operational and safety requirements are met. In addition, each circulator must be qualification tested prior to installation in the plant. A GCFR helium circulator test facility sized for full design conditions is proposed for meeting the above requirements. The circulator is mounted in a large vessel containing high pressure helium which permits testing at the same power, speed, pressure, temperature and flow conditions present in the development plant. The electric drive motor for the circulator obtains its power from an electrical supply and distribution system in which electrical power is taken from a local utility grid via a transformer