Generation IV nuclear reactors - R&D program to improve sodium-cooled systems inspection

In 2007, the CEA, EDF, AREVA launched a coordinated research program for the development of Generation IV sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR). The improvement of in-service inspection and repair (ISI&R) capabilities was identified as a major issue. A pluriannual R&D program was defined for the i) improvement of the primary system conceptual design, ii) development of measurement and inspection techniques (continuous monitoring instrumentation and periodic inspection tools), iii) accessibility and associated robotics, and iv) development and validation of repair processes. Within the scope of the future ASTRID prototype design, the main milestones until 2012 include validating the ultrasonic transducers and repair intervention processes, and defining the key components of robotic equipment.