Current Status of Japanese Research and Development Activity and Program Plan on Failed Fuel Detection and Location Systems for LMFBR

摘要

Progress of research and development on failed fuel detection and location (FFDL) implemented since 1968 in Japan is summarized and reviewed from the viewpoint of availability to reflect to the design and operation of JOYO and MONJU. These include basic experiments of fission product behavior, component development and testing, feasibility study of detection system response, and comparison of several kinds of location methods. The discussion will extend to the role of FFDL in the other surveillance instruments to secure safety and availability of LMFBR plant. Major concerns in Japan are concentrated on the development tasks of location systems, especially on gas tagging and in- and ex-vessel sipping. Another interest is recently directed to revaluation of the fission product behavior in the primary cooling system and monitor sensitivity to analyze response of FFDL system. Future programs are presented, which is proceeding and under consideration to be performed in JOYO MK-II in order to improve and certify the design of FFDL system for the Japanese fast reactors. An international cooperation in the should be remarked future is considered to be quite important and necessary fully to respond to the development of FFDL system, for LMFBR. A practical proposal to approach this objective will be made. (Atomindex citation 14:758926)