The qualification processes of simulation tools, components and systems within the framework of the astrid project - description and examples

Abstract : ASTRID is the Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration which is intended to be a Generation IV prototype reactor, with substantial strong improvements in safety and operability. In order to meet the objectives of the 4th generation reactors and comply with the related specifications, the ASTRID project integrates innovative options.From the beginning, the project took into account the qualification actions related to these choices and initiated the qualification program of the ASTRID Sodium Fast Reactor. The objectives were to collect needs expressed by different Technological Working Groups involved in ASTRID and to organize then the further treatment of the needs. A risk evaluation was also performed through an evaluation of the maturity level of the technical options using a Technological Readiness Level process (TRL ranking table).The objective at the current stage of the project is to pursue this process and to supplement the approach by extending it to the entire ASTRID breakdown product structure in order to take into account the interfaces and the integration of the elementary systems. This paper presents the technical qualification method selected to homogenize the approach in the different fields of the ASTRID project.The simulation tools which are very important to obtain confidence in the feasibility of the proposed innovations and to support the safety files must also follow a qualification process. This process, similar to that related to equipments and systems, is described.Some examples are given to underline the importance of the different mock-ups used during the qualification processes.