AST-500 reactor systems description and status

The nuclear district heating plants (NDHPs) are intended for production of heat in the form of hot water for heating purposes only. The AST reactor plants can be used also for production of process steam of low temperature particularly for seawater desalination. The AST-500 is a 500 MWa, power plant, whose prime objective is district heating. 

In the NDHPs practically all the heat generated is sent to the users. Minimal water consumption and heat losses are to ponds or into the atmosphere. 

The reactor vessel (RV) is fabricated from heat-resistant steel with an anti-corrosion lining. The outer diameter of the cylindrical vessel is 4.90 m, height is 15.310 m, and the design pressure is 2.3 MPa. The vessel weighs 185 t and its service life is approximately 60 years. The fluence of neutrons with E 1 MeV to the RV is 10 Vcm.  

A11 nozzles of the primary circuit auxiliary systems are of small diameter, equipped with flow restrictors and located in the upper part of the vessel. 

The Reactor Vessel is attached to a guard vessel. The welds of the reactor vessel can be inspected using ultrasound techniques. 

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