'Coronation' of Novovoronezh II

The exhaust header structure - the first component of the passive heat removal system - has been installed on the dome of the first reactor building at the Novovoronezh II nuclear power plant. First criticality at unit 1 is schedule for the end of this year.

The exhaust header structure – the first component of the passive heat removal system (PHRS) - has been installed on the dome of the first reactor building at the Novovoronezh II nuclear power plant. First criticality at unit 1 is schedule for the end of this year.

The exhaust header is lowered into place (Image: Atomenergoproekt)

Atomenergoproekt said on 17 September this is the first time such a system has been installed at a Russian nuclear power plant.

In the event of a loss of on-site power supply, the PHRS provides long-term heat removal from the reactor core to the atmosphere using natural circulation.

The exhaust header structure is a metal cylinder 25 meters in diameter and 13 meters high.

Novovoronezh II is the lead project for the deployment of the AES-2006 design incorporating a Gidropress-designed pressurized water reactor, an evolutionary development from the VVER-1000. Construction of Novovoronezh II units 1 and 2 began in June 2008 and July 2009, respectively. The original Novovoronezh site nearby already hosts three operating reactors and two that are being decommissioned.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News