The Branch of JSC “AEM-technology” “Atommash” in Volgodonsk (part of Rosatom’s engineering division - Atomenergomash) has completed the welding of the reactor cover for the first unit of the Akkuyu Turkish NPP.
The welding of the circumferential joint was carried out for 17 days in the condition of the additional heating of the welded joint area at a 170-200 degrees Celsius. After welding the reactor cover shall go through heat treatment of the welded joint to give it the necessary properties and relieve residual welding stresses. Duration of the heat treatment is 3 days at 600 degrees Celsius.
The next key step in cover manufacturing after the testing operations shall be machining of 139 holes for installation of the nozzles of the reactor control and protection system.
The reactor cover is an integral part of the reactor. The actuators of the reactor control and protection system are to be installed on the cover, as well as the output cables of the sensors for in-core monitoring. The finished product weight is about 95 tons. Working pressure is up to 180 atmospheres, test pressure - up to 250 atmospheres.
Atomenergomash JSC is a single-source manufacturer of the reactor plant equipment and a turbine island for all four units of Akkuyu NPP. Manufacturing enterprises of the division produce the reactors, steam generators, pumping, heat-exchanging and other equipment that will ensure the reliable and safe operation of nuclear power plants throughout the entire operation life. Also, the division’s enterprises are currently manufacturing the reactor equipment for nuclear power plants being built in India, Bangladesh, China, Russia and in other countries.
Akkuyu NPP is the first nuclear power plant being constructed in the Republic of Turkey. The Akkuyu NPP project includes four power units with WWER type 3+ generation reactors of Russian design. The capacity of each nuclear power unit shall be 1200 MW. To date, the project financing is provided by the Russian part in full. Construction of the Akkuyu NPP is the world’s first project in nuclear industry being implemented according to Build-Own-Operate model.