RK National Nuclear Center Participated in Research Reactors Safety Issues Discussion

       Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (Brussels, Belgium) became the platform for regional meeting hosting on Code application with respect to research reactors safety. Issues on equipment ageing management and periodic safety review were discussed specifically.

         Reactor operating organizations and regulatory bodies responsible for research reactors oversight were invited for experience exchange. NNC RK was represented by Svyatoslav Zhurkin, Engineer of RRC IGR Operating and Testing Service.

         Elements of systematic ageing management programme, continued safe operations for research reactors, interfaces of ageing management with other technical areas and programmes such as maintenance, periodic testing and inspection, equipment qualification and periodic safety review were discussed during sessions as well as issues and challenges of common interest on establishment of an effecting ageing management programmes and ways to address these challenges.

         Discussion was also held on the IAEA safety review services to research reactors, including the recently established service on ageing management and continued safe operation which was established based on the methodology of the IAEA safety review mission on safety assessment for long-term operation (SALTO) for nuclear power plants.

         In concluding the meeting, participants discussed future regional activities based on the Code, including suggestions for organization of the International Meeting on the Code, planned for 2020, Vienna.