07.11.2018 THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATION DEPARTMENT OF NOVOVORONEZH NPP

At the power unit No 2 of Novovoronezh NPP-2 the final largest stage of commissioning works before the physical start-up – the cold and hot trial of the reactor unit – was completed

At the power unit No 2 of Novovoronezh NPP-2 (No 7 of NVNPP) (the General Designer – Atomenergoproekt JSC, the General Constructor – Rosatom’s Engineering Division ASE) the most important and largest stage of the commissioning works before the physical start-up – the hot trial of the reactor unit - was completed.

It is to be recalled that the hot trial - the final stage of the cold and hot trial (CHT) – started on 1 August, 2018 at the power unit No 2 of NVNPP-2. This is the last large technological operation before the physical start-up of the power unit. It was carried out to prove its reliable and safe operation.

“The pre-commissioning tests at the operational parameters showed that the equipment and technological systems of the new power unit correspond to the design characteristics”, the Deputy Chief Engineer of NV NPP on construction of new power units Vladimir Kazanskiy noted. “The commissioning works of the hot stage of the CHT were carried out completely and on time.”

In total, the specialists made 148 different tests. The run of all 4 main circulating pumps (MCP), the steam flushing of the main steampipes, as well as the check of auxiliary power supply system, and reactor control and safety system were carried out at the hot parameters (the temperature of +280ºC). Also, the main safety valves of the steam generators and pressurizer were tested. During the hot phase of the CHT the containment was checked for consistency and strength.

Thus, the successful completion of the hot trial stage means the beginning of the final stage before the physical start-up of the innovative generation 3+ power unit No 2 of NVNPP-2 – the revision of the main and auxiliary equipment.

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 achievement and developments. The main peculiarity of VVER-1200 design is the unique combination of active and passive safety systems that make the Plant very sustainable to the external and internal actions. The specific characteristic of the 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 designed to provide the longtime hear 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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