BN-800 reactor

BN-800 reactor is a Generation IV nuclear reactor designed and built by Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy corporation. It is a fast neutron reactor, which means it uses high-energy neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction. The BN-800 is the latest in a series of fast neutron reactors developed by Russia, following the BN-600 and BN-350.

Design and Operation

The BN-800 reactor is a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), which uses liquid sodium as a coolant. This allows the reactor to operate at higher temperatures than water-cooled reactors, improving its thermal efficiency. The reactor core is made up of uranium and plutonium fuel rods, surrounded by a blanket of uranium-238 which can be transmuted into additional fuel.

The BN-800 is designed to generate 800 megawatts of electrical power, making it one of the most powerful fast neutron reactors in the world. It also has the capability to burn nuclear waste, reducing its volume and toxicity.

Safety Features

The BN-800 reactor incorporates several safety features, including a passive cooling system that can remove heat from the reactor core without the need for external power. It also has a double containment structure to prevent the release of radioactive materials in the event of an accident.

Commercial Operation

The first BN-800 reactor, located at the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Station, began commercial operation in 2016. It is expected to play a key role in Russia's plans to expand its use of nuclear power and to develop new types of nuclear fuel.

See Also

• Nuclear power in Russia
• Fast neutron reactor
• Generation IV reactor