The steam generator for the VPBER-600 reactor has been developed using experience of development, experimental investigations, fabrication and operation of prototype cassette steam generators.

Beginning from the middle of the 1970s, OKBM has carried out investigations to create cassette-type one-through SGs from straight tube steam generating elements. Work has been performed on the following:

1) theoretical investigations and design developments;

2) experimental studies (development work);

3) technological development of SG units and elements;

4) creation of an up-to-date base for SG fabrication;

5) account of SG operation experience.

When designing cassette SGs all normal and emergency modes of operation were analyzed, the factors exerting the most damaging effect on the SG structure were determined, and the most loaded parts of the SG were revealed.

So, to verify SG characteristics an R&D package has been defined and performed. It includes the following experimental investigations:

1) thermotechnical and hydraulic tests;

2) hydrodynamic investigations;

3) aerodynamic investigations;

4) mechanical tests;

5) thermocyclic tests;

6) hydrocyclic tests;

7) wear resistance tests;

8) vibration tests;

9) shock resistance tests;

10) studies of stability of throttle hydraulic characteristics;

11) studies of SG operability on emergency degradation of feedwater quality;

12) SG field inspections;

13) verification of SG maintainability properties.

All the scope of the R&D work has been performed mainly on OKBM experimental facilities. OKBM has reports with test results for each test type.

OKBM has the universal experimental base allowing it to solve the entire complex of tasks arising when designing SGs. It is evident that each specific SG design should be subjected to acceptance tests aiming at demonstration of the SG characteristics to the Customer. The OKBM experimental base includes test facilities of various powers including those of 45 MW.

Mass production of the cassette-type SGs is established in Russian enterprises which have modern technological equipment including automated complexes.