The reinforced frame of the core catcher, weighing 58t, and the embedded part for the core catcher, weighing 7.5t, have been installed at unit 2 of the Rooppur nuclear plant in Bangladesh, General Contractor Atomstroyexport (ASE), the Engineering Division of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on 1 April.
“Completion of installation of reinforced frame and embedded part of core catcher marks the beginning of the next important stage related to construction of the unit 2 reactor building," said Sergey Lastochkin, ASE vice president and project director of the Rooppur NPP. "In the near future, our experts will proceed with installation of the core catcher – a unique technology, developed by Russian nuclear engineers and one of the main passive safety systems in the design of Rooppur NPP. All the work is on schedule.”
Rooppur nuclear plant with two VVER-1200 is being built with Russian assistance in accordance with a general contract signed in December 2015. The General Contractor for Rooppur NPP construction is ASE. In 2015-2016, preparatory works were undertaken at the construction site, detailed design documentation and substantiation materials for the site and construction licence was submitted. A design and construction licence issued in November 2017 was followed by first concrete for the foundation of Rooppur 1. Construction of Rooppur 2 began in July 2018. Core catcher installation work began at Rooppur 1 in August 2018.
Photo: Installation of the core catcher is underway at Rooppur 2 (Photo: ASE)
