Design, fabrication and operation experience of the 50MW steam generator for the prototype fast breeder reactor 'Monju'

In a liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR), the steam generator is one of the most important components and hence is receiving great emphasis in development efforts in this field throughout the world. For large-size steam generators, especially, it is necessary to establish techniques concerning (1) design, fabrication, test and inspection, (2) thermal and hydraulic characteristics, (3) operation, instrumentation and control, and (4) reliability. To meet these needs, the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corp. (PNC), starting July 1974, built a 50MW steam generator, the world's largest test facility of its kind, and has been conducting various operation tests with it. Hitachi, Ltd. supplied in June 1974 the steam generator and auxiliaries. Tests have been carried out successfully, yielding a great deal of valuable data concerning static characteristics, dynamic characteristics, plant control, and structure and material. This paper describes the design and fabrication of this steam generator and also some operating results. (auth.)