Experience of Preparing Large Workpieces for Reactor Vessels of a New Generation of Universal Atomic Icebreakers

During manufacture of integral type reactor vessels for installation in a new generation universal atomic icebreakers of the 22220 project improved steel grade15Kh2MFA-A mod. A is used for the first time. As a result of a cycle of work conducted for this steel by TsNII KM Prometei specialists large workpieces are prepared for reactor vessel components for the icebreakers Arktika, Sibir’, and Ural. Analysis of metal quality and mechanical properties shows that all workpieces have good property uniformity for the whole cross section and a unique combination of strength properties and brittle failure resistance that in combination with steel grade 15Kh2MFA-A mod A good resistance to radiation and thermal embrittlement guarantees reactor vessel safety for the whole operating life.