[en] The invention has been aimed at simplifying the design of shielding elements for nuclear reactor cores

[en] Cassettes for shielding of the active area are known in different types. Due to the high temperatures during operation distortion of profile may occur. These distortions can be avoided largely by use of the construction described. A bundle of metal rods, touching each other, is combined with borders to units of hexagonal cross section. At least a few of the metal rods are fixed on a equal styled base, which has openings for circulation of the coolant. The avoidance of distortion of profile will increase the safety of nuclear reactors. (J.K.)

[en] The structure of assemblies for the shields of thermal reactor cores is described. The assembly consists of one-piece metal rods tightly packed by bracing rings and fixes in a bottom plate with holes for coolant flow. The central group of rods is stiffly fixed to the bottom plate which provides the rigidity of the design and makes the transportation and installation of assemblies more convenient. During reactor operation a coolant freely flows through the holes in the assembly bottom plates and passes into gaps between rods forming iron-water shield of the reactor vessel

[en] As worldwide experience shows, one of the most important conditions for safe application of atomic energy is proper safety regulation, which clearly divides liabilities and delimits responsibility between organizations which must guarantee safe use of atomic energy and the government regulating agency for nuclear and radiation safety. The latter, on behalf of the government, gives these organizations a formal license to use atomic energy if they have the proper technical and organizational resources to use with with safety to both man and the environment. Analysis shows that the previous government inspection system for nuclear safety in the USSR differed from world practice and did not satisfy the requirements recommended by the IAEA. The inspection activity consisted of multifaceted monitoring [to assure] that the organizations and responsible persons satisfied conditions established by operating rules and standards and also applied limited preventive measures. The monitoring functions of the Soviet inspection agency grew excessively; the performance of the corresponding operating organization was usurped by the regulating agency; there was an excessive guardianship of the operating organization; and consequently a lowering of its independence and responsibility. In December 1991, the Soviet organization was used as a basis for the federal inspection agency, Gosatomnadzor Rossii (Russian State Atomic Inspection Agency), which was given the responsibility of regulating safety in the use of atomic energy through a mechanism for licensing production and/or use of nuclear materials, atomic energy, radioactive materials, and items based on them. This article further summarizes the various licensing and regulating activities currently underway at this agency. Licensing and safety requirements associated with construction and operation of nuclear power plants are discussed

[en] Short communication