Abstract:
The paper describes important improvements of the Training reactor VR-1 which has been achieved during last four years. Reactor has been successfully converted from the HEU IRT-3M fuel to the LEU IRT-4M fuel in 2005. This task was completed within the scope of the RERTR programme, that was initiated by the US DOE, consistent with the global non-proliferation policy goal of minimizing the use of HEU in civil programmes worldwide. The I&C upgrades started in 2001 with the human machine interface, continued in 2002 with the control rod motors, drives and safety circuits upgrade. The control system upgrade followed in 2003. The next upgrade stage was the independent power protection system upgrade in 2004/05. Actually on progress is the upgrade of the operational power measuring system which is expected to finish in autumn 2007. The original radiation monitoring system was developed in the mid-80s. The new system was implemented at the reactor in 2004. The new comfort and more reliable physical protection system was installed at the reactor in 2006.