Security and Privacy Notice Disclaimer

RBMK Design

RBMK is a Russian acronym for "Channelized Large Power Reactor. This design employs two cooling loops each of which effects heat removal from half of the reactor. Fuel clusters are loaded into individual channels rather than a single pressure vessel. Saturated steam is formed in the channels and fed to the turbines in a direct cycle. Each loop contains two horizontal type steam separators interconnected on the water and steam sides. The neutron spectrum is thermalized by a massive graphite moderator block. The plant can be refueled on-line and uses slightly enriched nuclear fuel. There are no RBMK plants operating outside the former Soviet Union.

See also: Current Publications

Legend: 1.Reactor core, 2.Steam-to-water pipes, 3.Drum Separator, 4.Main circulation pumps, 5.Group dispensing headers, 6.Water pipelines, 7.Upper biological shield, 8.Refueling machine, 9.Lower biological shield.