Operation experience of the BN-600 fast reactor

Abstract This paper presents the main operating experience of the BN-600 Power Unit, which has been under operation since 1980 as a part of the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant situated in Zarechny town, Sverdlovsk Region, Russia. Theperformance of the core, the reactor, the fuel handling systems, the steam generator unit, the sodium and steam circuits, and the electrical equipment is highlighted. The technological procedures and the events which occurred, including sodium leaks, are also considered.