Components and operating potential of LR-0

The LR-0 reactor vessel is made of aluminium and placed in a concrete shielding bunker. The structure of the core makes it possible to load up to 121 fuel assemblies in a symmetric configuration and in 6 possible core sizes (7, 19, 31, 55, 85 and 121 fuel assemblies), and up to 133 assemblies in total. The fuel assembly is a shortened model of the can-free WWER-1000 assembly. The absorption cluster consists of 18 absorption elements (B4C tablets in an aluminium matrix). The reactor is started up with an Am-Be neutron source (100 GBq). A concentrated solution of H3BO3 is used as the moderator, utility water serves as coolant. The systems for measuring neutron flux density are described. The reactor is controlled by means of changes in the moderator level. USIT and STADOS dosimetric systems are part of the control system. The SAPI set with control computer JPR 12 and peripheral inputs and outputs are used for measurement and data processing. This unit is followed up by control computer SM 3 with an expanded peripheral base. The system is hierarchic. Experiments implemented and planned are described. (E.F.)