EBR-II unprotected loss-of-heat-sink predictions and preliminary test results☆

Abstract Two unprotected (i.e., no scram or plant protection system action) loss-of-heat-sink transients were performed on the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II in the Spring of 1986. One was initiated from full power (60 MW) and the other from half power. The loss of heat sink was accomplished in each test by essentially stopping the secondary-loop sodium coolant flow. Pretest predictions along with preliminary test results demonstrate that the reactor shuts itself down in a benign and predictable manner in which all of the reactor temperatures approach a quenching (or smothering) temperature at which the fission power goes to zero.