Development of the IBR-2 Facility with a Complex of Cryogenic
Neutron Moderators

Participating countries and international organizations:

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain.

Issues addressed and main goals of research:

The main task of the theme is to increase the efficiency of the use of the IBR-2 facility for realization of the program of experimental studies, maintenance of operational reliability and safety of the reactor, development and construction of the complex of cryogenic neutron moderators.

Expected results in the current year:

1. Obtaining Rostekhnadzor license for the operation of the IBR-2 nuclear research facility.

2. Maintenance of the IBR-2 reactor operation for physics investigations.

3. Check assembling, adjustment and testing of the backup movable reflector MR-3R at the FLNP test bench. Experimental investigations on determination of dynamic characteristics and parameters of vibrations of the units and structure modules at the stage of assembly and bench testing of MR-3R.

4. Commissioning of the Linde AG cryogenic refrigerator with a cooling power of 1800 W at 10 K (KGU 1800/10) to ensure the most efficient use of the suite of IBR-2 instruments in cold neutron experiments. Optimization of the operation of the cryogenic complex.

5. Trial operation of cryogenic moderators CM-201 and CM-202.

6. Phased replacement and upgrade of the basic technological and electrical safety-related equipment of the IBR-2 nuclear research facility.

7. Development of the hardware and software structure of the information-measuring system for research and diagnostics of the IBR-2 reactor state, as well as further work on the computational and experimental substantiation of the safe and reliable operation of IBR-2 under conditions of long-term operation and intensification of degradation processes in the core

8. Exploring the possibility of manufacturing and supplying an additional batch of fresh fuel for the IBR-2 core (in cooperation with the Mayak Production Association) to extend the service life of the reactor for physics experiments until 2040-2042.