EBR-II, IFR prototype testing programs

The Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) is a sodium cooled power reactor supplying about 20 MWe to the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) grid and, in addition, is the key component in the development of the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR). EBR-II's testing capability is extensive and has seen four major phases: demonstration of LMFBR power plant feasibility, irradiation testing for fuel and material development, testing the off-normal performance of fuel and plant systems and operation as the IFR prototype, developing and demonstrating the IFR technology associated with fuel and plant design. Specific programs being carried out in support of the IFR include advanced fuels and materials development, advanced control system development, plant diagnostics development and component testing. This paper discusses EBR-II as the IFR prototype and the associated testing programs