Kola NPP has held nuclear expertsХ project meetings* with the representatives of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and the Finnish Centre for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (STUK).

During the meeting with the SSM specialists, there were raised issues on metal control, discussed projects on replacing the accumulator storage batteries, solid RAW extraction, and supply of the new gamma-ray spectrometer. Separately there was discussed the topic of organization of Kola NPP staff training at the educational and training department (ETD).

There were highlighted the current and approved projects, carried out at the company at the present time. Those were the issues of the project of the fire dumpers of the ventilation system at the power units 3 and 4, updating the diesel-engine generatorsХ electrostatic shielding system, replacement of the capacitive voltage transformers of the outdoor switch-gear, and other projects.

According to the opinion of Krister Ekblad, a SSM project coordinator, from the safety standpoint, all of the co-projects were important.

 ТBut most of all IХd like to pinpoint the project on oil clarification system of the primary (PCP) and charging coolant pumps of the primary circuit**,У noted Mr. Ekblad, ТItХs the most challenging project from the technical point of view. Besides, the new system will reduce the cost of oil recovery used in PCP equipment.У  

The representatives of the nuclear power plant departments alongside with the Finnish supervising authority (STUK) experts reviewed the promotion of projects on expanding the system of security parameters provision (SSPP) and improving APROS system. They also touched on a topic traditionally discussed by the STUK experts Р improving the fire safety of the nuclear power plant. With the help of the Finnish side, Kola NPP has already installed and operates the hi-fog*** fire suppression system in oil system premises of the primary and charging cooling pumps of the third and fourth power units.  

ТLast year we started a new joint project on tooling up the diesel-engine generators with the modular water mist fire suppression system,У stressed Irene Olkonen, a Manager of the projects for fire safety and STUK engineer. ТAt the present time the diesel-engine generators protection topic is the most important issue, as in the wake of the Fukushima events much attention is paid to this equipment. Therefore, it was a joint decision to re-equip them within the project of NPPs safety improvement.У

All the participants of the tripartite cooperation noted the importance of the project works carried out at Kola NPP, so as they influenced on the improvement of the common level of the safe company operation.
    
ТWithin the safety improvement process, itХs important not just the technology,У summed up the Deputy Chief Engineer for safety and reliability of Kola NPP Igor Marakulin, Тbut also the knowledge, which can efficiently operate the equipment. Thus, the equipment applied at the Kola nuclear power plant to control metal has no analogues in Russia, so the training of our professionals inside the country has become problematic. The Finnish side helps us in training our supervisors abroad. Thus, specialists of Kola NPP go with the help of the Western colleagues to the new levels of skill.У

The technical assistance of the Swedish and Finnish supervising authorities is performed at a high technical level and contributes to the implementation of the priority measures to improve safety with the use of advanced foreign technologies and equipment supply, which is not produced in Russia.

* The project business meetings are held usually twice a year. In April the foreign specialists arrived to discuss the joint plans for Kola NPP, and the next meeting is scheduled to October in Stockholm.

** The portable oil clarification system for PCP and charging pumps of the primary circuit is supplied to Kola NPP by Alfa Laval Potok Р a subdivision of Alfa Laval concern in Russia. In the conducted on April 11 to 13 equipment tests in Glinde (Germany), there have been taking part the specialists of Kola NPP. In May the portable system will be supplied to the nuclear power plant, and in the end of June, after the installation and commissioning works, the equipment will pass the commissioning test.

*** The hi-fog fire suppression system or Тwater mist fire suppression systemУ is a brand new fire extinguishing system in Russia. The qualitative difference of the system is a principle of its operation - the fire source is liquidated by the small amount of water under high pressure. A cloud of mist envelopes the fire source and effectively extinguishes it. Using small amount of water is an advantage, especially in the areas of reactor compartment. It makes the impact of water on operating equipment impossible; there is no flooding of the premises during the fire extinguishing.

Kola NPP is a branch of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC. The plant is located 200 km to the south of Murmansk on the bank of Lake Imandra. It produces about 60% of electricity of Murmansk region. Currently, the plant operates 4 power units with VVER-type reactors. Each reactor has capacity of 440 MW. Kola NPP supplies power for Murmansk region and Karelia.

On line detailed data on the radiation environment near nuclear power plants in Russia and other nuclear facilities are provided on website russianatom.ru