Research Center Kurchatov Institute Research Articles

Experience in decontamination of radioactive soil on the grounds of the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute

The experience gained at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute in decontamination of contaminated soil at old storage sites for radwastes during rehabilitation of the grounds is described. The sequence of the work is described. The particulars and results of the technology for handling contaminated soil, including a primary assessment of the composition of the contamination and the volume of the soil, the monitoring of the contamination, preliminary radiometric separation and subsequent decontamination, and remote-control monitoring of the radiation conditions as the work progresses are presented.

Measurement of neutron capture and fission cross sections of 236U

The cross sections for radiative capture and fission for 236U in the neutron energy ranges 1–2000 eV and 1–1000 eV, respectively, have been measured. The measurements were performed on a flight baseline 5.2 m of the FAKEL linear electron accelerator at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute using a method based on measuring the distribution of the number of particles emitted by an excited nucleus with simultaneous measurement of the energy of each particle. The spectrum of the neutrons incident on a sample was measured by detecting the reaction 10B(n, α)7Li. The cross sections were normalized with respect to the resonance in 236U at 5.45 eV. The data obtained are compared with the results of other experiments and evaluated data.

An automatic control system of the synchrotron station and special features of the experiment automation at the LANGMUIR station of the synchrotron radiation source of the RRC Kurchatov Institute

A universal software-hardware architecture of the automatic control system (ACS) of the X-ray experiment for synchrotron stations is designed. The designed ACS ensures the reliable long-time control of the station equipment from remote terminals located in safety zones. A hierarchical three-level architecture of the control system based on personal industrial computers and specialized microcontrollers is selected to realize the hardware part. Data channels are based on Ethernet, RS-485, and RS-232 interfaces. The ACS software embodies the functional-modular principle and contains monitor modules with parametric adjustment, group control modules of functional station blocks, and modules for individual control of mechanisms. Data exchange between the modules is supported by TCP/IP, DCON, and other standard communication protocols. When the control system was being designed, the possibility of expanding the system by embedding bought articles from leading manufacturers was without fail taken into account. The designed system allows its integration with automated experiment control systems. The work presents details of the designed ACS realization on the LANGMUIR multipurpose research technological system of the synchrotron radiation source of the Russian Research Centre (RRC) Kurchatov Institute, the Russian synchrotron station intended for studying interfaces of various nature by using a wide spectrum of precision surface-sensitive and spectrum-selective X-ray technologies, in particular, for studying organic and bioorganic nanosystems on liquid surfaces and various planar nanostructures on solid substrates. The specific character of the LANGMUIR station invited development of a unique software-hardware module for controlling optical elements deflecting the beam from the horizontal line (beam control module), and creation of a special software unit for integrating the fluorescence signal recording section into the ACS and synchronization of the X-ray and fluorescence sections.

Modern approaches and principles for analyzing radiological consequences for projected and operating nuclear power plants with VVER

The fundamental principles and approaches used in the modern methodology of computational analysis of radiological consequences in validating radiological safety for projected and operating nuclear power plants with VVER are described. The application of this methodology, developed by specialists at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute for validating the radiological safety of projected and operating nuclear power plants with VVER and VVER nuclear fuel in Russia and other countries, made it possible to raise the methodology to a level conforming to modern Russian and international requirements and standards. The development of this methodology was made possible largely due to the results obtained in computational and R&D work performed as part of the AES-2006 design work.

Information communication platform for the NBIC center at the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute

The problems of developing a unified information communication platform for the Nano-, Bio-, Info-, and Cognitive (NBIC) Technology Center at the Russian Research Center (RRC) Kurchatov Institute are considered. The distributed resources of the NBIC center are used based on grid technologies, which allow one to construct a distributed infrastructure on the basis of existing data transfer networks and computer equipment in accordance with the user’s requirements. This infrastructure makes it possible to uniformly offer combined computational resources for various scientific calculations and allows distant users to visually operate with very large amounts of data, high-resolution video streams, experimental equipment, and archival data sets.

Shaft cryostat for cooling of high-pressure chambers with diamond and sapphire anvils

A vertically loaded shaft cryostat based on a closed-cycle cryocooler built around a Sumitomo SRP-062B pulse tube has been developed. The cryostat is intended for investigating the structure and phase transformations of materials via neutron diffraction experiments on samples at pressures up to 10 GPa created in high-pressure chambers with sapphire and diamond an vils in the temperature range of 6—300 K. The cryostat has been tested with the help of the DISK diffractometer of the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute. A high-pressure chamber is loaded into the cryostat through its shaft with the help of an insert. The chamber is cooled by heat-exchange gas (helium-4) an d a heat exchanger that is thermally connected with the cryocooler’s second stage. The minimum attained temperature of a sample is 6 K. The drift diameter of the shaft is 120 mm, making it possible to cool chambers with lengths up to 200 mm (in the vertical orientation) and 110 mm (in the horizontal orientation). The cryostat has been designed and manufactured at the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.

Structural studies of the lipid membranes at the Siberia-2 synchrotron radiation source

Lipid membranes are a subject of contemporary interdisciplinary studies at the junction of biology, biophysics, pharmacology, and bionanotechnology. The results of the structural studies of several types of lipid membranes by the lamellar and lateral diffraction of X-ray synchrotron radiation are presented. The experiments were performed at the Mediana and DICSI stations of the Siberia-2 synchrotron radiation source at the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute. The data obtained are compared with the results of studying lipid membranes at the small-angle scattering beamlines D22 and D24 at LURE (France) and at the A2 beamline at DESY (Germany). The parameters of the DICSI station are shown to meet the basic requirements for the structural study of lipid systems, which are of fundamental and applied interest.

Preface: Contrib. Plasma Phys. 3–5/2010

AbstractThe crucial importance of edge properties of fusion plasmas has been increasingly appreciated over the last decades. The development of plasma edge theory, i.e. of quantitative understanding, is monitored, critically discussed, and stimulated through the bi‐annual series of international workshops on Plasma Edge Theory in Fusion Devices (PET). The 12th PET (PET‐12) was held at the State Museum and Reserve Rostov Kremlin in Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavsky region, Russia, from 2nd to 4th of September 2009. It was carefully organized by the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute. The event was generously co‐sponsored by this Research Centre. Additional financial support came from RFBR, Russia.The Director‐General of the State Museum and Reserve Rostov Kremlin, Prof. A.E. Leontiev, kindly agreed to open the conference with a welcoming address. The participants greatly appreciated the keen backing of PET‐12 by Prof. V.P. Smirnov of the Russian Research Centre. Much of the success of this meeting was based on the enormous load of diligent work carried by the Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Prof. Dmitry Morozov. The great supporting efforts of Dr. L.K. Kuznezova, Dr. M.L. Subbotin and Mr. L.N. Kimchenko of the LOC are particularly appreciated.In six invited summary lectures this time the subjects of ITER divertor design, tokamak edge nonlinear dynamics, pedestal physics, self‐similarity of edge plasma turbulence, theoretical aspects of dust in fusion devices, and non‐diffusive transport in detached plasma conditions have been reviewed. In the distribution according to topic, the number of papers on kinetic and fluid edge plasma simulation, followed by those on neutrals and impurities, and those on SOL turbulence were in the lead. Altogether 57 contributions were brought forward, including 9 as oral presentations, most as posters in three sessions. In addition to being discussed during the workshop, all papers have been screened by peer review. The results have been composed to these Proceedings. Given the importance of the subject for fusion and the ongoing strong international research efforts in this field, it has been decided to organize a next workshop, PET‐13, in USA, during the year 2011.January 2010

A model of radionuclide transfer by groundwater on the territory of the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute

The convective transfer of 137Cs and 90Sr by groundwater on the territory of the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute (RRCKI) was modeled. Geological data on the RRCKI site and possible sources of radionuclides show that the uppermost aquifer, composed of Quaternary sediments, is the most probable region of spreading of radioactive contamination. Since the lateral migration of radionuclides is predominant, a 2D horizontal model was used for the forecasting of spreading of radioactive contaminants in the subsurface medium. Transient or long-term repositories of radioactive materials at the RRCKI site (concentrated sources) and aquifer rocks contaminated in the course of removal of radionuclides from these repositories (distributed source) are responsible for groundwater pollution. The initial 137Cs and 90Sr distributions used in the forecasting of radionuclide migration were determined from their contents in core samples taken from wells drilled in contaminated areas of the RRCKI site. The zone of radionuclide migration is limited by poorly permeable moraine loam from below and by the water table from above. To determine the upper and lower boundaries, these surfaces were mapped in plan view. The data of meteorological observations over a long period were used to map the intensity of precipitation in the studied territory. The density of rocks in the uppermost aquifer and partition coefficients of radionuclides between rocks and groundwater were estimated from the data of laboratory examination of the core samples. The available data on the permeability of rock samples and the results of test pumping out of some wells were involved in the consideration. The results obtained and the data on the water table allowed us to define a gauge problem for determining the distribution of the filtration coefficient in the uppermost aquifer. This problem was solved taking the intensity of precipitation into account. The properties of the uppermost aquifer and the initial radionuclide distribution therein were used as initial data for modeling 137Cs and 90Sr migration on the territory of the RRCKI over 50 years.

Remediation of the high-level radwaste repositories at Russian Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”

The paper presents peculiarities of organization and performance of activities on disposition of the high level activity radwaste repository located at the radwaste disposal site of the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute in Moscow. The process of the radwaste extraction from the repository is described in comparison with similar activities in other old repositories. Tools and equipment used for the radwaste extraction from the repository are listed. Conventional construction machines equipped with a hydraulic hammer or a clamshell were used for destruction of the concrete-encased radwaste mass and extraction of low-level radwaste. Intermediate- and high-level radwaste was extracted by remotely controlled robots operating inside the shielding structure. Gamma visor was used for detection of high- level radwaste or fragments in the mass concrete being destroyed and for pointing remotely controlled robots accordingly. The paper describes peculiarities of radiation monitoring in the course of operations on disposition of the repository. For rapid detection of changes in radiation conditions in the working areas, there was used a gamma locator with on-line transmission of its data to a PC and their processing. The same measuring and extraction equipment were used for remediation of high-level radwaste repository at the Gas Plant complexes.

Formation and spread of Chernobyl lavas

The results of implementation of the ISTC Project “Development of a Model of the Behavior of Nuclear Fuel in the Active Stage of the Chernobyl Accident” are summarized. The project work was jointly undertaken by the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute (RNTs KI) and Nuclear Safety Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBRAE RAN). The aim of the project was to systematize a huge amount of data on lava-like fuel-containing materials (LFCM), collected over the 20 years of research work at the Shelter, into database and to develop a model of LFCM formation and spread during early post-accident days. The model will be helpful in producing recommendations on accident prevention and promote development of the best technologies for lava removal, thereby reducing the financial expenses and dose burden. Also, with the model developed, the results of the virtually unique “experiment” with the nuclear fuel of the Unit 4 reactor, organized on a huge scale, can be used for finding solutions to the general nuclear safety problems.

Study of the dynamics of a plasma current sheath in the KPF-4 Phoenix plasma-focus facility

The engineering characteristics of the KPF-4 Phoenix megajoule Mather-type plasma focus facility constructed at the Sukhumi Physicotechnical Institute are described. Results from preliminary studies of the plasma dynamics at a capacitive-storage energy of up to 700 kJ are discussed. Future experiments in KPF-4 will be oriented at technological applications and will complement the studies carried out in the 2.8-MJ Filippovtype PF-3 plasma focus facility at the Nuclear Fusion Institute of the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute.

Production of the Hg-199 isotope by the photochemical method

Researchers at the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute are developing a photochemical method of mercury isotope extraction. The method is based on oxidation of selectively excited mercury atoms in the presence of 1,3-butadiene. Along with the Hg-198, Hg-196, Hg-200, and Hg-202 isotopes, a Hg-199 isotope with a concentration as high as 90% has been produced for the first time.

Production of the Hg-196 isotope by a photochemical method

An experimental setup and photochemical approaches used for extracting highly enriched mercury isotopes at the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute are described. In the extraction process, selectively excited mercury atoms are oxidized in the presence of 1,3-butadiene. Along with the Hg-198, Hg-199, Hg-200, and Hg-202 isotopes, the least abundant mercury isotope, Hg-196, has been produced for the first time with a concentration as high as 97%.

Criticality and Reactivity Measurement Method for Nuclear Material Control and Accountability

The authors describe the criticality and reactivity measurement method (CRMM) and give results of their analysis obtained by using this method for a physical inventory of nuclear materials (NMs) on the Nartsiss critical assembly at the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute (RRC KI). The proposed approach is a further development of the criticality measurement method used at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and is a joint effort of LANL and RRC KI. A brief description is given of the Nartsiss critical assembly. Statistical control charts are used to study the reproducibility of results. The contributions of individual components to the resultant error of the proposed method are estimated. The method of quantile estimates of random errors is used in error analysis. It is shown that the CRMM has high sensitivity and may be successfully used in NM control and accountability.

Obtaining high pressures and metastable states in condensed media by using high-current relativistic electron beams

Experimental studies performed at the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute on the interaction of high-current relativistic electron beams with various condensed media, including highly porous materials, are reviewed. The experiments on obtaining high pressures and accomplishing the structural and chemical conversions in the focal spot of a high-current beam are described. The principles of imitating an ultra-highspeed impact and other energetic actions on an obstacle with the help of high-current relativistic beams are discussed. The possibility of using such beams for surface modification is considered. Experimental data on the induced electric conductivity in highly porous SiO2 aerogels in the region of the beam energy deposition are presented.

Review of experimental studies of the dynamics of light liners at the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute

The results of experimental studies on the implosion of liners by megaampere currents that were carried out in the Department of Relativistic Beams of the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute are reviewed. The main line of research was to study the possibility of realizing the liner-converter (or liner-target) scheme proposed by L.I. Rudakov.

Experimental study on the possibility of formation of a condensate of excited states in a substance (Rydberg matter)

The results of experimental study of a condensate of cesium excited states (Rydberg matter) are presented. The possibility of condensate formation was predicted theoretically first by Prof. E.A. Manykin and coauthors from the Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute and experimentally observed by L. Holmlid and coauthors from the Chalmers University, Sweden. In a thermionic energy converter with interelectrode medium, where, according to the data of Swedish researchers, Rydberg matter is formed, we observed similarities and distinctions between our and Swedish data on the formation of a condensate of cesium excited states.

Computer-aided reaction engineering software for virtual educational laboratorium on chemical kinetics and thermodynamics of combustion and explosion

Detailed kinetic and thermodynamic modeling and simulation of the chemical reactions are the valuable contributions at design stage of a new explosion mitigation engineering system, during the official explosion accident investigations, and for the academic studies of the complex explosion phenomena. In Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology along with the traditional experimental laboratory works in chemical kinetics and thermodynamics an integration of computer-aided labs into curricula of the second and third course students was started two years ago. Two core sets of digital laboratory works, connected with the combustion and explosion phenomena, were developed as supplements for the general chemical thermodynamics course and advanced chemical kinetics course. Computer labs are based on Chemical WorkBench - software system for complete cycle of computer-aided reaction engineering. ChemBench reaction simulation environment was developed by Kinetic Technologies (software provider) in cooperation with Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute. Report is focused on motivation and the goals of computer-aided laboratory works. Benefits of using these virtual or digital research tools in teaching of the chemical kinetics and thermodynamic aspects of combustion effects are shown. Their relations and drawbacks in comparison to ordinary real experimental installations and apparatuses are discussed.

Some odd bits for I.I. Gurevich’s biography

After graduating from Leningrad State University, I.I. Gurevich came to work at the Radium Institute. Soon after the start of the Great Patriotic War, the institute was evacuated to Kazan. There, Gurevich was recruited for the Soviet atomic project, headed by I.V. Kurchatov. By that time, Gurevich had carried out a number of research studies in neutron physics. While in Kazan, he defended his doctoral dissertation in that field. Alongwith Ya.B. Zeldovich, I.Ya. Pomeranchuk, and Yu.B. Khariton, Gurevich developed in the Soviet Union the theory of neutron moderation, without which nuclear reactors would have been impossible. He continued his studies in neutron physics in subsequent years too. At the end of the war, when the LIPAN, or the USSR Laboratory of Measuring Instruments (later to become the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy and, presently, the Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute ) was already in place, Gurevich came back to Leningrad for a few months. There, he married Tat’yana Borisovna Stroeva, whom he had known since the 1930s and loved to the end of his life. They moved to Moscow on May 9, 1945, Victory Day. It was, of course, pure coincidence, yet somehow symbolic. TheMoscow district of Shchukino, the Kurchatov institute’s location, was a suburb at that time; it was not until 1947 that it became part of the city. It inherited its name from a local village. The neighborhood included a military camp, barracks, huts, dachas, etc. There were also a few apartment houses owned by the Ministry of Defense and some other government departments, e.g., theGamaleya Institute ofMicrobiology and Epidemiology, which had been there since before the war. Many employees of the LIPAN lived on its premises. Isai Isidorovich and Tat’yana Borisovna were given an apartment in the institute’s main building; afterward, of course, such apartments were converted into service rooms. It was there that their eldest son, Aleksandr (the present writer) was born. As there was no physical distance between home and work, and also by virtue of his hospitality, Isai Isidorovich customarily brought home in the evening one colleague or another. Tat’yana Borisovna usually had no objections, but there were occasions when there