New Direction of Experimental Research at the NNC RK 

The National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan has successfully conducted the startup of the IGR reactor equipped with the experimental device designated “IMPULSE”. 

The work was carried out as part of a scientific research project aimed at expanding the capabilities of the IGR reactor for conducting irradiation experiments with power reactor fuel under conditions approximating extreme operational limits. 

Mentioned startup was implemented in specialized “Impulse” operating mode, allowing sustained reactor operation at low power levels. The results obtained confirm the ability of the IGR reactor to operate stably under the specified conditions, in which the energy release value in the reactor core is comparable to its thermal losses.  

Conducted research significantly expands the experimental capabilities of the IGR reactor and opens new prospects for simulating accident and transient operating conditions of power reactors. 

Successful implementation of the project reinforces the standing of NNC RK as one of the leading scientific centers in the field of reactor research, and affirms the high level of expertise of its specialists.