Systems Considerations in the Design of Sodium Pumps for Liquid-Metal Fast-Breeder Reactors

Systems considerations influencing the design of vertical, centrifugal, and free surface pumps for liquid-metal fast breeder reactors are evaluated. Systems were analyzed to guide in selections for pumps with flow ranges of 10 000 to 200 000 gal/min and head ranges from 100 to 450 ft for both the sea-of-sodium and piped reactor arrangements. The system analyses defined the parametric relationships between the pump, the coolant system, and the overall plant requirements. The plant arrangement, piped or sea-of-sodium, affects the net positive suction head available, choice of pump location, the severity of the thermal transients, system pressure levels, and ease of operation and maintenance.