Biological shielding

Design of the RBMK type reactor biological shield and results of some calculational and experimental studies in the field are discussed. In developing the shield of NPP with the RBMK type reactor the experience gained in the USSR in designing, construction and operation of the lwgr type reactors (APS, Beloyarsk NPP, etc.) has been taken into account. The experimental studies have been performed at the Beloyarsk-1 and -2 NPP and the IR-50 research reactor. Both analytical and numerical techniques applying computer codes for the BESM-6 and M-220 computers have been used in the calculations. Presented are some calculational and experimental data obtained on the coolant radioactivity, on the absorption of radiation in the structural materials and other reactor constituents, on the gamma radiation dose rates in the central room and other rooms with technological equipment. A general conclusion is made that the calculations are consistent with the experimental data, and the radiation safety provisions guarantee the NPP operation in line with medical standards of the USSR