On August 24, power unit No. 3 with a BN-600 fast neutron reactor at the Beloyarsk NPP was taken out of service for scheduled preventive repair in order to carry out fuel refueling, and preventive maintenance of the main equipment. The main work will be the replacement of eight evaporative modules of steam generators.

In a nuclear power plant, evaporation modules generate steam that turns turbines to generate power. Modernization of the modules improves the reliability of operation and is a preventive measure to extend the life of the power unit with the BN-600 reactor until 2040. Each module is 16 meters long and weighs 20 tons, which is comparable to the dimensions of an automobile tractor with a fully loaded semi-trailer. 

“Before installation, the modules passed the input control, where the specialists of the nuclear power plant examined the internal parts and made measurements of the stud extract ventilation. This check is needed to confirm the integrity of the modules, which guarantees safe operation. After scheduled preventive maintenance, they will generate 660 tons of high-pressure steam every hour. These works will allow us to safely and efficiently generate electricity for the residents of the Sverdlovsk region for many years,” said Ivan Sidorov, director of the Beloyarsk NPP.

Besides, the employees of the Beloyarsk NPP, together with the specialists of Uralatomenergoremont, will do a full repair with the replacement of the removable part of the main circulation pump of the reactor and will carry out modernization to improve the reliability of the equipment of the chemical and turbine shops. Preventive maintenance is scheduled to be completed by early November.