At the VVER-1200 power unit No 2 of LNPP a complex of inspection and tests of the most important lifting equipment of the reactor unit – polar crane – was completed. The specialists carried out the static and dynamic tests of the crane during which they checked the strength of its elements, the reliability of brake operation, and the work of machinery under the load.

“The carried out tests proved that the assembly, electrical and adjustment works were performed in a quality manner. The metal constructions of the crane are strong, the mechanisms work reliably. The polar crane is ready for work. Its accident-free and reliable operation is guaranteed”, Andrey Kuznetsov, the Deputy Head of the Centralized Repair Shop of Leningrad NPP-2 told.

The polar crane is one of the biggest and the most important lifting equipment of the power unit. Due to circular motion it can perform operations in any spot of the reactor unit. The crane is used at every stage of NPP’s life cycle. During the construction and decommissioning of the power unit the crane will be used for transportation and assembly/disassembly of the main and auxiliary equipment. During the operation it is used for minor, medium and major repair of the reactor unit. The expected service life of the crane is 60 years.”

After the engineering certification and registration of the polar crane at Leningrad NPP is completed, it will be rent out to the contracting organization. In the nearest time it will be used for assembly of the technological system pipelines needed for carrying out the key operation of 2019 – the flushing on the open reactor when the penetrability of the pipelines that connect the equipment of the primary circuit of the reactor unit will be checked.