The construction of Rostov NPP’s power unit No 4 is coming to an end. At 6 pm on 13 September, 2017, the specialists have started the last major stage of commissioning – the equipment hot trial – before connecting it to the grid.

Speaking about the importance of this stage, the Vice President of IK ASE JSC* on Project Management in Russia Alexey Deriy said, “Hot trial is, in fact, an imitation of the power unit operation. The tests are the final part of the preparation program for nuclear fuel loading. All processes will be carried out at project parameters.” 

During the hot trial, the specialists will check the operability of the main equipment of the power unit for compliance with the operational and safety requirements. They will also test the primary and the secondary circuits’ overpressure protection systems and the main circulation pumps (MCP) operation on the cold and hot parameters of the reactor unit.

In addition, the testing program includes checking the auxiliary power supply system in interruption and complete de-energization modes, as well as a comprehensive verification of the reactor control and protection system.

“By the end of October, we will need to ensure the readiness of technological systems and facilities, and to conduct all tests in order to welcome a revision group of Rostekhnadzor and get permission to load fuel into the reactor”, the Director General of Rosenergoatom Concern Andrey Petrov said.

In his turn, the Plant Manager of Rostov NPP Andrey Salnikov noted that after the completion of the hot trial stage, which is designed for 32 days, the specialists will conduct an audit of the main and auxiliary equipment of the primary and secondary circuits as part of the power unit No 4 preparation for the physical start-up. “After the hot trial stage, the reactor unit equipment will be inspected; and based on the results Rostekhnadzor will grant the official approval for the power unit physical start-up, which we plan to implement by the end of 2017”, he said.