Authors & Affiliations
Popov E.P., Dolgikh V.P.
A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia
Popov E.P. – Researcher, A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering.
Dolgikh V.P. – Researcher, A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering. Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7(484) 399-47-78; e-mail:
Abstract
In general, the choice of steels for the manufacture of structural elements of core assemblies of the BN-type reactor caused by operating conditions. They are characterized by elevated temperatures and thermomechanical loads of structural elements acting in corrosive environments and in intense reactor irradiation fields, which generally leads to accumulation of radiation damage and loss of mechanical strength. Currently several grades of steel are under consideration for use in structural elements.
Also an important criterion in the choice of steels for the structural elements of core assemblies of BN-type reactors is their radiation characteristics after irradiation, which determine the approach to handling them. Since the impurity and addition elements in steels (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Nb, Mo, etc.) affect the radiation characteristics of the structural elements of the assemblies of the core of the BN reactors, intensive work is underway to develop low-activated structural materials. This is due to the fact that after the irradiation, the structural elements are transferred to radioactive waste. It should be noted that a large amount of such waste is generated. Depending on the class of radioactive waste, the cost of their disposal is determined.
Analysis of the properties of prospective steels from the point of view of radiation safety will allow developing technological schemes for conditioning radioactive waste and reducing the financial burden at disposal. Determination of the radiation characteristics of the structural elements of the core assembly BN reactors is an relevant task.
Keywords
core assemblies, activation isotopes, radiation characteristics, radioactive waste
Article Text (PDF, in Russian)
UDC 621.039.7