Evolution of fast reactors. The role of a BN-350 reactor

The history of the development and operation of BN-350 reactors is analyzed from the position of solving the problems that arose at the stage of the industrial operation of sodium-cooled fast reactors. The main tasks faced the BN-350 project are formulated. The stages of the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of an industrial BN-350 reactor is chronologically reviewed, including a description of the encountered problems and achieved results. The effect of the knowledge obtained during the development and operation of BN-350 reactors on the selection of technical solutions for the reactor, main equipment, and parameters of sodium circuits implemented in BN-600 and BN-800 projects is demonstrated.