Operating experience of the AVR

The experimental nuclear powerstation of the Experimental Reactor Association GmbH (AVR) is the first plant with a helium-cooled high temperature reactor, which uses spherical fuel elements. In spite of the resulting incompletion and difficulties, the plant was able to be erected and set to work in a relatively short time. It was operated successfully for more than 21 years on load. It was found that the reactor has excellent safety porperties and that the radiation dose on the operating staff and on the environment was very low. The operation of the plant presents no problems and makes no great demands on the operating staff. All the faults which occurred were overcome by the operating team. The state of the main components shows no changes due to ageing anywhere. From our experience of operation and the loading of the plant, there are no limitations on the further use of the plant. (orig.)