30 Years of experience in operating the BN-600 sodium-cooled fast reactor

Experience in operating the BN-600 sodium-cooled fast reactor during its nominal service life as well as its service life extension period, an additional 15 years, is described. Information is presented on the performance indicators which were achieved and deviations from the normal operating regime which occurred when the reactor was first started up. The degree to which they affect the safety and technical-economic performance of the facility is evaluated. It is concluded on the basis of an analysis of the BN-600 operating experience that sodium-cooled fast reactors have now been mastered commercially and that their prospects for further development are good.