Execution of a Large Engineering Project in an R&D Institution- Some Experiences

Abstract

Steam Generator Test Facility (SGTF) was set up mainly to validate the design of the steam generator of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). PFBR is a power reactor of 500 MWe after the successful Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). FBTR was built in collaboration with French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). It was similar to the 40 MWt Rapsodie reactor but had SG modules of the Phenix reactor design in place of the terminal sodium to air heat exchanger of RAPSODIE. In view of this minimal R&D was done for FBTR SG. However, for PFBR the SG design chosen was different, as it was better from the manufacturing and inspection point of view and was in line with the futuristic designs in other countries. Since there was no collaboration for PFBR, it was decided to test a model steam generator manufactured independently by the Indian industry to gain experience and confidence and collect the requisite data. The test facility at a cost of 32 crore Indian rupees was approved in November 1997, and was commissioned in September 2002. Subsequently it has been the test bed for not only model SG testing but many more fast reactor components. This paper brings out in brief the design of the facility executed successfully in a time frame of 5 years without any cost overrun.