At the power unit No 2 of Novovoronezh NPP-2 (Unit No 7 of NVNPP) the stage of cold and hot trials of the equipment (CHT) has started.

The CHT is the most important stage of commissioning, during which the equipment performance is tested. It includes checking the primary and secondary circuits overpressure protection, testing the operation of the main circulation pumps (MCP), and the reactor unit protection control system. 

This is the last major technological operation at the power unit, preceding the stage of physical launch. The cold and hot trials are carried out to confirm its reliable and safe operation.

The stage of the CHT will last about 100 days. It started with a cold phase, which will last for 35 days in accordance with the schedule.

“We have already carried out hydraulic tests of the primary and secondary circuits for pressures of 3.2 and 2.0 MPa and confirmed their integrity”, the Plant Manager of Novovoronezh NPP Vladimir Povarov noted, “and now we will turn on the main circulation pumps, perform the necessary tests for their density and strength. We must confirm that all the mechanisms are working well, and then we’ll go on to the stages connected to obtaining a license from Rostekhnadzor to load nuclear fuel into the reactor.”

After the cold phase, the CHT will start the hot one, which will confirm the operability of the main and auxiliary equipment and systems of the reactor unit in design operating conditions. At this sub-stage, the commissioning and operation specialists will run the four main circulation pumps for 100 hours at hot values (at the pressure of 16.0 MPa and the coolant temperature of 280 degrees Celsius).

Thus, the successful implementation of the cold and hot trials of the 2nd unit equipment at NVNPP-2 (No 7 of the NVNPP) will mean the completion of one of the final stages before the physical launch.