Безопасность исследовательских ядерных установок

Abstract

Research nuclear facilities (RNFs) such as research reactors (RRs), critical and subcritical stands (CSs and SCSs), have played a decisive role in obtaining fundamental and applied knowledge in the area of nuclear physics. As neutron sources, RNFs represent for experimenters a unique research tool in various areas of science and technology. Without RNFs it would be impossible both the creation of nuclear weapons and development of nuclear power industry. The number of RNFs in the world went up especially fast in the 50–70s of the last century and by the mid 1970s peaked. Over time, RNFs began to be used not only for solving problems of defense, fundamental science and nuclear power industry, but also in other industries, including medicine and biology. Dozens of RNFs was built by the Soviet Union in other countries. In this paper have been considered the safety issues of RNFs located in the Russian Federation’s territory. Statistical information has been presented, and analysis of RNFs malfunctions reasons has been carried out. Tight spots in the nuclear and radiation safety assurance at RNFs operation have been identified. The main unresolved questions connected with storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes have been specified. Detailed safety moves have been developed. The progress of works for RNFs decommissioning has been analyzed. To justify the technical possibility for continuing the use of RNFs, taking into account the established level of safety beyond the designated service life, it is necessary to carry out the condition survey for RNFs’ elements, systems and structures for subsequent management of theirs resource characteristics. Increasing demands on RNFs operation safety initiate the development and implementation of special activities on modernization and lifetime extension of RNFs systems elements, which are important for safety.