2.1 Description of Main Reactor Systems

In order to discuss possible system disturbances comprehensively, it is convenient to relate these disturbances to three distinct fast reactor systems. These three systems are representative of fast reactor types and moreover cover a wide range of coolant pressures and fuel and coolant types, thus making the discussion more general. Although the present book is intended to particularize toward the sodium-cooled breeder, it is nevertheless impor­tant to know what the alternatives are and how they behave. The major alternatives are the gas-cooled and steam-cooled systems.