Rosatom Successfully Executes Key Installation Operation for Fourth-Generation Research Reactor MBIR in 2024
Assembly has commenced for the primary heat removal circuit and fuel processing system mechanical equipment at the MBIR research reactor, located at the State Scientific Center for Nuclear Reactors Research (RIAR) JSC, which is part of the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation, Rosatom. This step stands out as a significant milestone in the construction of Russia's largest fourth-generation multipurpose fast research reactor. The project is being implemented as part of the program to advance nuclear science, engineering, and technology in Russia.
According to design specifications, two intermediate heat exchangers, each weighing 38 tons, 9 meters high, and 2.5 meters in diameter, have been installed within a new fuel drum. The equipment has been secured to support rings with a maximum deviation of 1 millimeter per meter. Additionally, tanks weighing 16 tons, used for fresh and spent fuel, have been placed in their designated locations.
Sergey Kiverov, the Deputy Director responsible for Construction at RIAR JSC, stated regarding the progress, “The new fuel drum is designed for preheating fuel assemblies in an inert gas atmosphere before loading them into the reactor core. The spent fuel drum cools spent fuel assemblies removed from the reactor in an inert environment. These drums are part of the combined installation equipment. With the installation of this equipment in the MBIR nuclear research reactor, concrete pouring can be carried out on an approximately 100-square-meter central hall floor, and equipment installation can be initiated at an altitude of +11,900 meters.”
Furthermore, in the MBIR reactor unit, the bowl-shaped basket containing the reactor core has been reopened for assembly. Currently, the support frame, which includes one basket, is set up at +13,200 meters in the central hall. In addition, welding operations for the core containment device, known as the core holder, are ongoing.
The work on the company's construction site is progressing as planned, in accordance with the timeline of this large-scale project.