01.09.2018  THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATION DEPARTMENT OF NOVOVORONEZH NPP

The final large stage of pre-commissioning works before the physical start-up – the hot trial of the reactor unit – has started at the power unit No 2 of Novovoronezh NPP-2

On 1 September, 2018 at the power unit No 2 of Novovoronezh NPP-2 (No 7 of NVNPP) the specialists proceeded to the final large stage of the pre-commissioning works before the physical start-up – the hot phase of the cold and hot trial (CHT) of the equipment that have to prove the working capacity of the main and auxiliary equipment and systems of the reactor unit in design modes on working parameters.

This is the most important stage of the pre-commissioning works that precedes the physical start-up of the power unit; it confirms its reliable and safe operation.

Cold and hot trial started on 1 August, 2018. At the stage of cold phase of the CHT the specialist already carried out 68 heat and hydraulic tests of systems and equipment of the power unit. The next step - a small revision of the main equipment – was carried out for 15 days. Thermal insulation application and the equipment preparation for pre-commissioning works of the hot phase of CHT were completed.

“During the period of the hot trial we plan to carry out 144 tests at hot water”, the Deputy Chief Engineer on construction of new power units Vladimir Kazansky said. “According to the schedule of the pre-commissioning works, the hot trial will last for 50 days. During this period of time the specialists will test four main circulating pumps at hot parameters (the coolant temperature is 280ºC and pressure is 16.0 MPa), check the auxiliary power, blow the main steam pipes with its own steam, carry out the complex trials of the safety systems, reactor control and protection system. Partial fulfillment of the trials will allow to prove that power unit’s work will reliable and safe during the whole period of the operation.”

Thus, the successful implementation of cold and hot trial of the equipment will mean the completion of one of the final stages before the preparation for the physical start-up of the 2nd innovative power unit of Generation 3+ of Novovoronezh NPP.

The innovative power units of Generation 3+ have the improved technical and economical parameters that provide absolute security during operation. They are designed with usage of the most advanced achievements and developments. The main peculiarity of VVER-1200 design is the unique combination of active and passive safety systems that make the Plant extremely sustainable to the external and internal actions. The specific characteristic of passive systems is their ability to work during energy supply failure and without operator. In particular, the power unit with VVER-1200 reactor uses: melt trap – the equipment that serves for the localization of the reactor core melt; passive heat removal system (PHRS) designed to provide the longtime heat transfer from the reactor core into the atmosphere in case of all sources of electric supply failure, etc.

Novovoronezh NPP is a branch of Rosenergoatom JSC (a part of the largest Division of Rosatom State Corporation – Electric Power Division). The Plant is situated on the River Don bank 42 km South of Voronezh. This is the first NPP of Russia with VVER type reactors (Water-Water Power Reactors of containment type with water under pressure). Three reactors of the Plant are the main ones – the prototypes of the serial power reactors. The first power unit was commissioned in 1964, the second one - in 1969, the third one – in 1971, the fourth one – in 1972, and the fifth one – in 1980.

The power units No 1 and No 2 were shut down in 1984 and 1990, respectively. The power unit No 3 was shut down in 2016 for the decommissioning events. The power unit No 4 was shut down for modernization works. The power unit No 1 of Novovoronezh NPP-2 was commissioned on 27 February, 2017. The power unit No 2 is in the stage of commissioning works.

The latest information about radiation situation near Russian NPPS and other nuclear power facilities can be seen at www.russianatom.ru


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