Nuclear Reactor Dosimetry Problems Department

(Head – Ph. D. V. M. Bukanov)

Main directions of scientific activity:

• Investigation of neutron flux forming and propagation process in nuclear power reactor environment with complex geometrical and material parameters.
• Carrying out of experiments at operating power units to determine the irradiation conditions of intravessel devices and WWER-1000 reactor pressure vessel.
• Investigation of neutron-physical constants influence onto results of determination of irradiation conditions of intravessel devices and WWER-1000 reactor pressure vessel.
• Development of dosimetry measurement methods and tools for neutron fields at operating power reactor.

The most important scientific results: 

·        Original methodology for determination of irradiation conditions, current and accumulated radiation exposure of operating power reactor pressure vessel is developed. The methodology at all Ukrainian NPP with WWER-1000 reactors (KhNPP, SUNPP, RNPP, ZNPP) is implemented.

·        Modern neutron dosimetry methodology of irradiated surveillance specimens of WWER-1000 reactor pressure vessel metal is developed. The methodology for testing of surveillance specimens performing at KINR NAS of Ukraine is used.

·        Methodology for estimation of actions directed to power reactor pressure vessel radiation exposure decreasing is developed.

·        Determination of accumulated radiation exposure of critical zones of power reactor pressure vessel within the range of program of service lifetime management of WWER-1000 pressure vessel is carried out.

·        Method of niobium activation detectors application for measurements of neutron field characteristics near the outer surface of operating power reactor pressure vessel is developed.

·        Complex approach for determination of irradiation conditions and radiation exposure both reactor pressure vessel and vessel metal surveillance specimens that allows to obtain information necessary for determination of pressure vessel service lifetime and to make scientifically proved decision about the possibility of lifetime extension service is developed.