Kurchatov Institute scientists create radiation monitoring station for the sunken submarine K-27

There are two nuclear reactors on board the submarine

Specialists from the National Research Center (NRC) "Kurchatov Institute" have developed an underwater station for constant radiation monitoring. The installation will be located in the area of the sunken nuclear submarine K-27, which is located in the Kara Sea. The submarine has two nuclear reactors on board, so it is important to regularly monitor the radiation level in the vicinity of its flooding.

Specialists of the "Kurchatov Institute" at work
It is planned to place an underwater station for constant radiation monitoring in the Stepovogo Bay in the Kara Sea. The installation was developed at the NRC "Kurchatov Institute", its main sample is assembled and operates on the territory of the Center.
Press service of the NRC "Kurchatov Institute"

Scientists need to periodically check the condition of the submarine's protective barriers, which prevent radiation leakage into the water. The new underwater station will help monitor automatically, remotely and around the clock.

Specialists of the "Kurchatov Institute" at work

The nuclear submarine K-27 is unique in that it became the only one in the world to use liquid metal as a coolant for its nuclear reactors. The boat was launched in 1962, but on May 24, 1968, a radiation accident occurred, resulting in 20 sailors being irradiated, 17 of whom died. In 1981, the K-27 was flooded in the Stepovogo Bay, and its reactors were treated with a special preservative.

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