The most powerful neutron reactor in the world was launched in Russia

13

At the Institute of Nuclear Physics. Konstantinov (St. Petersburg) launched the world's most powerful neutron reactor PIK. This project can be safely called the oldest scientific long-term construction of the country, since work on it began in 1976.

The installation will be used for various scientific experiments, and therefore the attention of researchers from all over the world is riveted to it. It is planned that the device will reach its operating capacity of 100 MW by 2022.



Despite the fact that by the mid-80s PIK was more than half ready, the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant "corrected" the plans of scientists. Then the USSR collapsed with all the ensuing consequences. As a result, the construction of a promising reactor was frozen.

In 2007, work on the project was resumed, and two years later the first start-up complex was put into operation. However, due to the Fukushima disaster, safety requirements were again tightened and much had to be reworked.

And so, on February 8, 2021, our project finally took place. At the same time, the aforementioned "long-term construction" undoubtedly went to his advantage. First, the equipment was improved, and safety was implemented at the level of a full-fledged nuclear power plant. Secondly, today only three reactors located in the USA, Germany and France can be called competitors of our PIK. However, the service life of the most "long-playing" of them will come out in 20 years, and the creation of new ones is not yet expected.

Consequently, by the 40s of this century we will become monopolists in the field of neutron research. That is why European institutions are already lining up to conduct experiments, and Germany has bought 15% of PIK's working time in advance.

However, despite the enthusiasm of foreign partners, the Russian neutron reactor will primarily work for domestic fundamental science, which will allow us to make breakthrough discoveries in various fields in the future.

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    13 comments
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    1. boriz
      boriz
      +5
      18 February 2021 10: 57
      One thing I don’t understand is why we should let someone near this reactor, help develop someone else's fundamental science. They only helped us to destroy our own.
      1. Alexndr p
        Alexndr p
        +3
        18 February 2021 11: 14
        at CERN, we also received fundamental knowledge - we took part in the construction, gained competencies. It's hard for one country to pull such things.
        Fundamental science is fundamental for that - we need the competencies of all mankind and the entire volume of data accumulated by mankind
        1. boriz
          boriz
          +1
          18 February 2021 12: 43
          CERN is a collective farm. There, everything was thrown off with money and technology. There we have full rights to use the equipment and research results. Like everyone else who took part.
          And who helped build this reactor of ours?
          1. Alexndr p
            Alexndr p
            +2
            18 February 2021 12: 46
            And at CERN, the key moments were built by the Russians. So it cannot be a collective farm.
            They built the PIK themselves, so Russia will take all the profit, and let the scientists study it.
            They will do it on our land and on our instruments
            1. boriz
              boriz
              0
              18 February 2021 12: 48
              This does not change my correctness. We are entitled to use CERN. And this reactor is purely our object. It's time to send everyone.
              1. Alexndr p
                Alexndr p
                +1
                18 February 2021 12: 48
                It's time to send everyone.

                what for? There are many technologies we need in Europe. No need to send anyone anywhere.
                We must take what we need and sell what we can.
                1. boriz
                  boriz
                  0
                  18 February 2021 12: 50
                  Something I have not heard that they are sharing with us the technologies that we need. Basically - sanctions.
                  1. Alexndr p
                    Alexndr p
                    0
                    18 February 2021 12: 51
                    Industry of the USSR was conditionally built by GE during industrialization. Turbines were purchased in the west. Before that, our Kings in Europe took a variety of technologies. Russia buys the technology we need from Siemens
                    In the automotive industry, we still buy technology from Europe
                    For oil production, we buy technologies, including from the French
                    Yes, and in the west, objectively, ICEs and so on were always better

                    I really love the Russian woman, so it's all for her and for our development

                    There is a conditional billion living compactly and with good paying capacity. There have always been many technologies and inventions and will always be

                    We (150 million), purely objectively, cannot drag at the level of
                    1. boriz
                      boriz
                      -1
                      18 February 2021 12: 54
                      We pay real money. And for the fact that strangers will work on this unique instrument, we will probably be paid a penny, and the top of the RAS will receive kickbacks. IMHO.
                      So it turns out that we have invested a lot of money and intellectual costs, and someone will do their job for a symbolic payment.
      2. Robot Bobot
        Robot Bobot
        +1
        18 February 2021 14: 45
        It is written: "Germany bought in advance 15% of PIK's working time. "So, it's a profitable business! The Germans have money, the working people!
    2. Fourth Horseman
      Fourth Horseman
      +2
      18 February 2021 12: 01
      And what about this, will the Samovar say? According to him, nothing has been done in the country for 20 years.
      1. Alexndr p
        Alexndr p
        0
        18 February 2021 12: 36
        And what about this, the Samovar will say?

        check it out!

        I wonder what is his cost? Probably more than Ukraine is worth with souls and cattle
        1. Piramidon
          Piramidon
          +1
          20 February 2021 09: 33
          Well, everywhere, to the place and out of place, you need to stick this Ukraine. She's already got it in her teeth.