Successful tests of passive heat removal systems at the first power unit of Kudankulam NPP constructed with technical assistance of JSC Atomstroyexport

04.08.2011
With technical assistance of JSC Atomstroyexport (JSC ASE), a company of State Corporation Rosatom, within the framework of the performance of the works at the “hot run” stage at the power unit No. 1 of Kudankulam NPP in India there were successfully completed the tests of the reactor plant equipment within 200 hours with the operation at rated parameters of the primary circuit. The works for testing the drives of the reactor control and protection system were also successfully completed within the design scope.
In accordance with the agreed program, on one of the safety system channels there was tested the passive heat removal system (PHRS) which was for the first time in the world practice implemented in Russian design AES-92 at Kudankulam NPP. The criteria stated in the test program were reached, it is planned to perform the similar works on the other safety system channels.
The performance of the works for the equipment “hot run” is a final stage in the start-up and adjustment works preceding the loading of the fresh nuclear fuel to the reactor of the first power unit.
The principal peculiarity of AES-92 design is implementation, in addition to traditional active safety systems, of a number of technical solutions bases on “passive” principles bringing the implemented design into proximity with the parameters of the fourth generation designs in part of its nuclear safety.
An unprecedented design level of nuclear and ecological safety of Kudankulam NPP under construction is ensured by implementation of such construction solutions and technological systems as: a double localizing and protective containment; systems of passive heat removal from the reactor plant; a catching device for the reactor melted core; a passive system of fast injection of boron under high pressure; additional tanks providing long-term supply of borated water to the reactor by passive method; a system of passive filtration of the inter-containment space; a closed dipper of the technical water intake for the NPP, which is actually a wave breaker.
Reference:
JSC Atomstroyexport (JSC ASE) within the framework of the Intergovernmental Agreement performs the works on construction of the first phase of Kudankulam NPP in India. According to the signed contracts, the scope of JSC Atomstroyexport obligations includes: development of the technical design and working documentation, design supervision for construction of NPP buildings and structures within the design scope, supply of equipment and materials from Russia and third countries, technical support during the NPP erection and commissioning, training of operating and maintenance personnel in Russia. The customer – the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) - performs construction, erection and start-up and adjustment works at the NPP site, as well as the plant commissioning.