Corrosion in fast breeder reactors

The primary and secondary cooling systems of sodium cooled fast breeder reactors have their specific corrosion problems. These are dependent on the temperature and flow velocity of the sodium, the choice of materials and their combination in the cooling circuit, and chemical parameters. Sodium corrosion effects on the steels and alloys used in the core components, fuel element cladding, structural materials and steam generators are discussed. The more severe effects that might occur due to exposure to higher temperature sodium following an accident are considered. (author)