The first of four main pumps for China’s ACP100 (Linglong One) small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration project has been shipped to the Changjiang construction site in Hainan province after passing factory acceptance tests.
The shielded main pump, produced by Hainan Nuclear Power and Harbin Electric Equipment, is a single-speed vertical fully-sealed pump designed to meet stringent requirements such as high safety, full sealing, and long life.
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) subsidiary China Nuclear Power Research Institute CNPRI) said the pump is “the heart of the reactor coolant system … the most critical, core and most difficult to manufacture equipment”.
CNPRI, which proposed the technical requirements for the main pump, used the advantages of system design and made every effort to ensure the manufacturing, testing, acceptance and shipment of the first main pump supports construction of the reactor project.
“The successful delivery of the main pump of Linglong One is not only a breakthrough in key technology, but also demonstrates China’s comprehensive strength in the design of new nuclear energy systems, high-end equipment manufacturing and coordinated management of complex projects,” CNPRI noted. “It is of great significance for consolidation of China’s first-mover advantage in the international competition for small reactors and for China’s advanced brand of small modular reactors.”
CNNC announced the launch of the ACP100 SMR project in July 2019. The multi-purpose 125 MWe SMR is a pressurised water reactor (PWR) designed for electricity generation, urban heating, urban cooling, industrial steam production, or seawater desalination. Design of the ACP100 began development 2010, and the integrated preliminary design was completed in 2014. In 2016, the design became the first SMR to pass a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
First concrete for the ACP100 was poured in July 2021, with a planned total construction period of 58 months. Equipment installation began in December 2022 and the main internal structure of the reactor building was completed in March 2023. The outer containment dome was put in place in February this year.
The Changjiang site is already home to two operating CNP600 PWRs, and the construction of two Hualong One units began in March and December 2021, both of which are due to start commercial operation by the end of 2026.
Once completed, the Changjiang ACP100 reactor will be capable of producing 1 TWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of 526,000 households. The reactor is designed for electricity production, heating, steam production or seawater desalination.
