Serviceability of Phase-1 RBMK-1000 FA After Service-Life Characteristics Restoration

Abstract

The serviceability of fuel assemblies during operation in the reactor core after restoration of the service-life characteristics of the graphite stack of phase-1 power-generation units with RBMK-1000 is evaluated. The results of FA loading and unloading operations in bent fuel channels and evaluations of the interrelation of the degree and profile of the bending of the fuel channels with a gap between the fuel elements of the outer row and inner surface of the channel tube and the conditions of FA operation in the fuel channels of the modified as well as restored geometry of the actual state of the FA recorded during inspections are presented. It is concluded that the RBMK-1000 FA are serviceable during operation before restoration of the service-life characteristics of the graphite stack as well as after restorative repairs.