Unit 4 with BN-800 fast reactor at Russia’s Beloyarsk NPP has achieved 95% of its rated capacity (824MWe) as part of its pilot commercial operation, the plant said on 27 May. The test programme, where the reactor was tested at 85% (730MWe) of rated power, was completed in April. Immediate tasks not include an inspection by regulator Rostechnadzor and increasing power to full capacity power to the rated level, the plant’s statement said. After the reactor reaches 100% power, the equipment and systems will be tested at this level. The BN-800 unit is planned for commercial operation in autumn 2016.
Meanwhile, OKB Afrikantov has supplied equipment for handling used fuel at the plant. The equipment, weighing 1.7t, is to upgrade the used fuel drum. "The used fuel drum is part of the refuelling system of the unit and is intended for temporary storage in liquid sodium of fuel assemblies unloaded from the reactor to reduce their residual heat," OKBM explained. The BN-800 reactor is refuelled without unsealing the reactor, unlike light water power reactors.
