Atomenergomash has started to manufacture equipment for a multi-purpose research fast neutron reactor (MBIR) currently under construction in Dimitrovgrad, Russia, on the site of the Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (NIIAR), State Scientific Centre.
Petrozavodskmash, a branch of AEM-Technology, has started to make rough pieces for the external containment, the reactor's thermal shield. The first 580 mm thick and 780 mm high high-strength cast iron loop with a 5 metre outside diameter has been made. It weights 45 tonnes. Totally, eight loops of different sizes with a total weight of 265 tonnes will be cast, which, after machine work at the facilities of Petrozavodsk branch of AEM-Technology, will be used to assemble the reactor's thermal shield. When ready, the thermal shield will be 5,575 mm high and 5,240 mm in diameter. In addition to the cast iron loops, the shield includes 68 unique parts also to be manufactured by Petrozavodskmash.
AEM-Technology is the supplier of key equipment for the fast reactor unit. Under an agreement with NIIAR, besides the thermal shield the company will also make the reactor vessel with the internals, top of the reactor, heat insulation units, and support structure. The parts will be manufactured by Atommash plant, the company's Volgodonsk branch. The plant is currently preparing for the process and refining product quality plans. The rough pieces are expected to be used in the manufacturing process in the nearest time.
Designed by NIKIET, the fast reactor is supposed to become a new technology platform for the nuclear energy sector based on a switch to the closed nuclear fuel cycle with reactors using fast neutrons.
The purpose of MBIR is to create a high flux fast neutron research reactor with unparalleled consumer properties for reactor and post-reactor studies, electricity and heat generation, development and testing of new radioisotope and modified material technologies. The reactor's specific feature is a three-circuit design to transfer heat from the reactor to the environment. The primary and secondary circuits use sodium as the coolant, and the third circuit (turbine plant) uses water. The reactor's thermal capacity is 150 MW with a 50 year design lifetime.