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Major phase in RPV mfg at RNPP Unit-2 complete


Published : 09 Jul 2020 10:05 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 11:55 AM

Manufacturing of upper semi-vessel of Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) for the Unit 2 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Project has achieved significant progress, read a statement issued by Rosatom, the Russian contractor of the RNPP.

Welding of two shells of the upper semi-vessel at circumference has been completed at the Volgadonsk Branch of AEM Technology Atomash, an engineering division of the Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom, recently.

The process took 25 days and was conducted at a welding stand at a temperature of 150-300 degrees. A total of 4,027 kilograms of flux and 3,057 kilograms of wire of 4 mm diameter were used for welding, official from Rosatom said.

Rosatom official said, after welding operation it was moved to a furnace for heat treatment, where it is to be heated at a temperature of up to 270 degrees Celsius for 4 days. The next step in manufacturing is welding of shells and the head of the lower semi-vessel.

The reactor represents a vertical cylindrical body with an elliptical head, containing the Core and the Internals. On top, it is sealed with a cover with drive mechanisms and regulating mechanism installed on it. In the upper part of the vessel, there are nozzles for the coolant input and output, as well as nozzles for emergency supply of the coolant if the circuit is depressurized.

Well, manufacturing of various machine components and equipment is running in full swing in Russia. Some of them have already reached Bangladesh, some have been shipped and others are still in manufacturing process.

The first reactor with 3 steam turbines and its related equipment will reach Bangladesh by November, Rosatom official said.

Rooppur nuclear power plant project’s official said, “There will be two reactors with 8 steam turbines. We hope the first reactor with 3 steam turbines will reach here within November. The second reactor and other five steam turbines will reach in phases. By this time the first reactor will be installed.”

Despite the ongoing coronavirus threat, construction works of country’s first nuclear power plant are going on uninterrupted.

The Rooppur NPP authorities have taken all necessary measures following health guidelines provided by WHO and the Health Ministry to prevent the spread of coronavirus at the site.

Architect Yeafesh Osman, the Minister of Science and Technology, told Bangladesh Post that the construction of the nuclear power plant is underway in compliance with the health guidelines. In addition to the use of different types of safety equipment, everyone’s body temperature is checked at least thrice every day.

Once the nuke plant goes into operation, it will offer a window of opportunities, such as ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to over 15 lakh families and jobs for a large number of people.

“We hope at least 1200MW unit of electricity from the first nuclear plant will be added to the national grid by 2023. The second one with the same amount of power will be launched by 2024,” science and technology minister concluded.