Design and construction of the fast breeder test reactor

The role of fast breeder reactors in the generation of electrical energy is briefly reviewed. India has set up a Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at its Reactor Research Centre for developing LMFBR technology. The reactor is very similar to the French reactor Rapsodie-Fortissimo. The main heat transport system, the plant layout and design modifications carried out in the FBTR with respect to Rapsodie-Fortissimo are described. The paper also reviews briefly the status of the Indian nuclear industry at the time when the construction of the FBTR was launched (1972). The construction of the FBTR was carried out with the help of manufacturing know-how from four French industries. The procurement of special materials, the establishment of an infrastructure in the Indian industries, and the achievements and problems in manufacturing of the nuclear components are discussed. The main development and testing work carried out is also described. (author)