DOI: 10.1615/ICHMT.2009.CONV
ISBN Print: 978-1-56700-261-4
ISSN Online: 2642-3499
ISSN Flash Drive: 2642-3502
ANALYSIS OF HEAT REMOVAL FROM SHUTDOWN RBMK-1500 REACTOR USING NON-REGULAR MEANS
ABSTRACT
The main problem in nuclear energy is providing of safety at all stages of lifetime of nuclear installations in conditions of normal operation, accidents and at shutdown. In RBMK- 1500 reactor the fuel assemblies remain for long time inside reactor core after the final shutdown. According the modification performed in Ignalina NPP, part of fuel with lower burnup level was reused in the second operated unit. The paper discuses possibility of heat removal from the RBMK-1500 core at shutdown condition by natural circulation of air in fuel channels. To warrant free access of air in to fuel channels the reactor cooling system should be completely dry out ad the pressure headers should be opened. For removal of hot air the steam discharge valve in each reactor cooling system loop should be open. The steam water piping should be cooled by air ventilation system in drum separators compartments. If mentioned conditions will be fulfilled, the reactor core will be cooled by natural circulation of air and peak fuel temperature will be below 400 °C.