Innovative fast breeder reactor concept ‘RAPID’ for improvement of reactor performance and proliferation resistance Original Research Article

The 60 MWe metal fueled fast breeder reactor concept ‘RAPID’ to improve reactor performance and proliferation resistance has been demonstrated. The reactor can be operated without refueling for up to 5 years. The essential feature of RAPID concept is that the reactor core consists of an integrated fuel assembly (IFA) instead of conventional fuel subassemblies. RAPID concept enables quick and simplified refueling by replacing an IFA in which all the core and blanket fuel elements are comprised. An on-site storage cask achieves on-site decay heat removal of an IFA. After 3 years of on-site storage, an IFA together with an on-site storage cask can be transported directly to the reprocessing plant without any intermediate steps. Significant improvement of inherent safety features and plant availability has been discussed. Decay heat removal capability, safety consideration on criticality of the IFA and shielding design of the on-site storage cask has been confirmed. The RAPID refueling concept possesses high resistance to state-supported removal of plutonium for nuclear weapons production.