The Izhora branch of AEM-technologies (part of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division Rosatom machine-building division Atomenergomash) has shipped a pressure compensator to unit 5 of India’s Kudankulam NPP. In transient and emergency operating conditions of the reactor, it will be used to limit pressure fluctuations. The component weighs 187.5 tonnes and is almost 14 metres long with a 3.3 metre diameter. Its internal volume is 79 cubic metres, and the wall thickness is 152 millimetres. The vessel passed hydraulic leak tests when exposed to high temperatures and the maximum allowable pressure of 24.7 MPa.
Kudankulam NPP in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India will comprise six units with VVER-1000 reactors with an installed capacity of 6000 MWe. Units 1&2 (Phase I) began commercial operation in 2014 and 2017. Construction of units 3&4 (Phase II) and 5&6 (Phase III) is underway. Based on an intergovernmental agreement between India and Russia signed in 1988, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is building four VVER-1000 units (3-6) at Kudankulam with Russian assistance. The expected completion date for units 3&4 is 2023.
Image: The pressure compensator for unit 5 of India’s Kudankulam nuclear power plant (courtesy of Rosatom)
