Development of Technological Equipment for RBMK Service-Life Extension

Abstract

This article is devoted to the solution of the now urgent problem of the aging of the RBMK-1000 graphite stack (bending of the graphite columns as a result of cracking of the graphite blocks under the action of temperature and exposure to radiation). The successful work performed by a group of specialists from the Diakont Company Group on restoring the service-life characteristics of the first two power-generating units at the Leningradskaya NPP is considered as an example. Laying bare the crux of the main stages and particulars of the technological process, considerable attention is given to the principle of operation, technical possibilities, and rigging of unique equipment produced by the Diakont. The development of a complete rigging complex for restoring the service-life characteristics of the reactor plant is given together with a detailed description of the operating principles of each type of equipment.