Unique features of the LOFT startup program

The unique character of the LOFT reactor provided an excellent opportunity to gain startup experience and develop new test methods. The reactor, operated by EG and G Idaho for the NRC, is a 1/55 scale model of a large commercial PWR, designed to test LOCA consequences and ECCS performance. The scaling, designed to simulate thermal hydraulic, linear heat, and flow conditions of a large PWR, and the use of an air-cooled condenser for removing heat from the secondary system presented a number of interesting physical variations from standard PWR conditions. The events described present an overview of the test methods and problems encountered during the startup program