Germany-based pump and valve manufacturer KSB said on 12 August that it had been awarded the certificate for its RUV reactor coolant pump allowing it to be used in the latest generation 3+ Chinese NPPs. KSB has already received its first order for supplying five pumps to the Shidaowan NPP, which will have the world’s first CAP1400 series reactors (based on the Westinghouse AP1000). One part of the order will be manufactured at the headquarters in Frankenthal, the other in Shanghai, where the joint venture Shanghai Electric-KSB Nuclear Pumps & Valves Co (SEC-KSB) is based.
The prototype of the RUV pump has passed the tests in Lingang (China) where it proved its continuous operating reliability, KSB said. All measured values met or even exceeded the official test specifications. In total the pump set was in operation for more than 700 hours, including more than 500 hours at a temperature of over 284°C. In accordance with the test specifications the pump, which has a drive rating of about 7.5 megawatts, was started and stopped more than 550 times. When dismantled after testing, all components were in perfect condition.
"The successful certification is an important milestone for KSB following a development period of close to 10 years,” said Dr Stephan Bross, member of Management of KSB SE & Co. “This is a good starting point for us in the growing Chinese energy market. We are expecting to receive orders that will safeguard jobs also in Germany."
