Employees of the Beloyarsk NPP (Sverdlovsk region) have completed preliminary tests of the "Vizus" sound vision system (obtaining images of objects in various media using acoustic waves) for the reactor of power unit No. 4. This was reported by the station's press service.
Control systems for water-cooled reactors are not suitable for the Beloyarsk NPP
The Beloyarsk NPP uses power units with a liquid metal coolant (sodium), so control systems, as in water-cooled power reactors (VVER), do not work here. To ensure the safety of the reactor core, the "Vizus" system was created, which works on a different principle.
An ultrasonic transducer is placed in the reactor core using a manipulator. The equipment automatically scans the space and sends data to employees. Thus, nuclear scientists can "see" through the layer of sodium the inside of the power unit, where a chain reaction of fission of heavy isotopes of uranium occurs.
Experts monitored the tests
The tests were carried out on a stand the height of a five-story building under the supervision of a special commission, which included representatives of 6 nuclear organizations in Russia. Among them were also designers from OKBM Afrikantov, scientists from NIKIMT-Atomstroy.
During the week, experts assessed the correctness of the software for controlling the system, the accuracy and operability of the manipulator.
The test results confirmed the effectiveness of the development. Now "Vizus" will be tested in the reactor itself.
It is planned to install a sound vision system in the reactor during the scheduled preventive maintenance in 2026.
After this stage, the developers will send the documents for "Vizus" to Rostekhnadzor. In addition, specialists will develop instructions for the operation and repair of the new control system.
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