FIELD: nuclear reactors. SUBSTANCE: core melt holding device is placed inside reactor cavity under its vessel. It has cooled tank with base and side wall reaching core level. Intermediate space is provided between tank and bottom, and between cavity walls accommodating external tank cooling system and vortex-generating bodies creating turbulent flow of coolant. External tank cooling system is made in the form of dual air and water cooling arrangement that functions to provide air cooling of reactor vessel under normal conditions and water cooling in case of core-melt accident in which case water is admitted from tank and naturally circulates in system. EFFECT: improved reliability of reactor cooling under normal and abnormal conditions. 22 cl, 8 dwg
