Experiment RT-11 at LAVA-B facility

On 12 August 2020, specialist of the Institute of Atomic Energy successfully prepared and conducted experiment RT-11 at LAVA-B facility. The experiment was realized as part of the international project Cormit-II*, being implemented jointly with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Japan, under cooperation with Marubeni Utility Services, Ltd. and Institute of Atomic Energy, Kazakhstan. RT-11 is another full-scale experiment from series of experiments on studying interaction between molten corium and heat-resistant materials of two types – aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide. In the course of the experiment, in graphite crucible of electro-melting furnace by inductive heat, there was obtained molten burden from pellets of depleted uranium dioxide, metal zirconium iodine and zirconium oxide powder. Ready melt with temperature of 2500°С was discharged into the concrete trap with refractory blocks from zirconium oxide. Residual energy release in model corium was simulated also by inductive heaters around the concrete trap. Post-experimental examination and material testing research are being conducted now; their results will be used to obtain data on interaction between molten corium and protective material of under-reactor building in case of accident that might cause melt egress out of the reactor vessel.   

* Project Cormit-II is focused on studying interaction between the molten core (corium) of light-water nuclear reactor and heat-proof materials in case of severe accident. Joint efforts of experts from Japan and Kazakhstan lie in conduction of series experimental and material testing research results on the contact of corium with different heat-resisting materials like zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide under conditions of simulation of residual energy release inside of corium. Practical part of research is being realized on the experimental base of the Institute of Atomic Energy. Large-scale experiments are being conducted t LAVA-B facility of Angara test bench and small-scale experiments are at VCG-135 facility. All installations are located in the territory of the Complex of research reactors Baikal-1.