Reliability analysis of the residual heat removal systems for a 300 MW(e) GCFR

Abstract

The report represents a summary or work accomplished as part of a Department of Energy (DOE) funded program of safety studies for the gas-cooled fast breeder reactor (GCFR). The work involved an analysis of the reliability of the residual heat removal (RHR) systems for a 300 MW(e) GCFR demonstration plant design. Qualitative and quantitative reliability techniques were employed to critique the conceptual designs of the RHR systems and support systems under various operation assumptions, to indicate areas in which the reliability might be improved or for which closer analysis might be desirable. It is concluded that, in principle, the two independent RHR systems employed in the GCFR design are capable of meeting a design objective of failure of less than 10/sup -6/ per reactor year but that support systems envisioned for the current design would probably not adequately support such an objective. Other areas relating to the adequacy of RHR system diversity are also identified where closer analysis is warranted.