At the Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, tests of fuel for the new VVER-S reactor have been completed. Scientists have developed a two-stage experimental program on the BFS-1 stand. The first stage included preparation using traditional pellet technology, and the second, main stage, involved the use of a fragment of a typical reactor lattice.
Researchers carried out a physical start-up of a critical assembly for research on MOX fuel. Before its start, a model of a critical assembly without nuclear materials was created, which was checked by the nuclear safety commission. Experts assessed the readiness of all systems and personnel, as well as the control physical start-up program, after which they issued a permit for its implementation.
According to Alexander Zhukov, head of the BFS complex, after obtaining permission, the models were replaced with real fuel elements (components of a nuclear reactor) with energy plutonium. The scientists' tests open up new horizons for the development of nuclear energy in Russia and confirm the high qualifications of Rosatom specialists.
Read more on the topic:
Modern VVER-S nuclear reactor with a capacity of 600 MW is being developed in Russia
Rosatom's nuclear reactors may be integrated into new floating nuclear power plants: key facts
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