The nuclear breeder

Three major Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) development projects are described: the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), the Clinch River Breeder Reactor (CRBR), and the Prototype Large Breeder Reactor. The FFTF, scheduled for completion in August 1978, will provide capability for fuel testing up to and including the point of failure in four independent test loops of a 400 MWt system. The CRBR plant is in the engineering design stage prior to licensing. The 350 MWe, three loop sodium cooled plant is expected to demonstrate the safety, reliability and economic potential of the LMFBR in a utility environment. The mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuel design is similar to fuel designs for larger future plants which will provide fuel doubling times of 12 to 15 years. A 30 month conceptual design program for the Prototype Large Breeder Reactor was initiated in 1975 with the objective of completing the conceptual design of an integrated commercial size plant, developing the basis for the needed safety and environmental reports, and completing a proposal for potential utility customers. Target date for construction of the prototype is 1988.