Other MARIA reactor systems

A large nuclear facility, which is the MARIA reactor, requires the operation of a number of systems allowing for its safe operation. Below is a brief listing of these systems and their functions:

• Ventilation system. This system provides a controlled release of air from the reactor facilities to the environment. This release takes place through a 60m high chimney. Under normal conditions, certain amounts of radioactive gases are released from the reactor (over 95% is ⁴¹Ar, which is the product of air activation). In emergency conditions, releases of other radioactive gases and aerosols, e.g. gaseous fission products, may occur. In this case, the air is filtered.
• Reactor safety systems, including emergency reactor shutdown, the so-called safety interlocks (reactor start-up and power increase interlock), signaling, emergency core flooding system.
• Apparatus for control, security and technological control systems of the reactor. The system ensures proper operation of all reactor control and protection elements as well as collecting data on the course of physical and technological processes in the reactor. The main components of the system are located in the reactor control room.
• The power supply system is an extensive power supply system with multi-stage systems ensuring continuity of power supply in normal and emergency conditions.
• Storage and transport of fresh and spent nuclear fuel.
• Installations of low and intermediate level wastewater in the reactor facility and management of radioactive waste generated during the reactor operation.
• Dosimetry system covering both the monitoring of radiation fields and radiological hazards in the reactor facilities, as well as the radiological protection of personnel. The system also includes assessments of the threat to the population resulting from the operation of the MARIA reactor.