FEATURES OF RBMK REACTORS DURING SEVERE ACCIDENTS AND RELATED ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES

DOI: 10.1615/ICHMT.1995.RadTransfProcHeatMassTransfSevNuclReactAcc.50

E. O. Adamov
Reactor and Development Institute of Power Engineering, Moscow, Russia

Yu. M. Cherkashov
Reactor and Development Institute of Power Engineering, Moscow, Russia

Yu. V. Mironov
Reactor and Development Institute of Power Engineering, Moscow, Russia

Yu. M. Nikitin
Reactor and Development Institute of Power Engineering, Moscow, Russia

E. B. Burlakov
Russian Scientific Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia

N. E. Kukharkin
Russian Scientific Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia

Resumo

Key features that affect the progression of severe accidents in RBMK reactors are described. Estimates of plant responses are presented for severe accidents initiated by a positive reactivity insertion,: a loss of electrical power, and a loss of heat transport circuit integrity. Existing and potential measures to mitigate the severe accidents are discussed.
It is noted that Probabilistic Risk Assessment techniques and criteria established for Western Light Water Reactors may not be appropriate for the channel-type RBMK reactors. Severe accident issues in RBMK are related to developing preventive and mitigation measures which make effective use of the operating experience as well as the knowledge gained from international programs.