Uranium-graphite reactor development in the USSR

The paper analyses design experience and development prospects of graphite-moderated channel power reactors, which represent one of the main lines of nuclear power activity in the Soviet Union. The characteristics of these reactors are described and discussed, and data are presented to show that their power can be increased to 1.5 million kW and more. The authors consider some technical solutions which would ensure the reliability and safety of such reactors, at higher power, and describe those adopted for the projected 2.4 million kW channel reactor in sectional block design with nuclear steam superheat. The prospects for further growth of unit capacities and improvement of the technical and economic characteristics of these reactors are discussed