Russia’s ZiO-Podolsk (part Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division Atomenergomash) began manufacturing modules for evaporators for PGN-200M steam generators intended for the modernisation of unit 3 of the Beloyarsk NPP. This will extend the service life of the BN-600 sodium-cooled fast reactor plant up to 60 years. The unit includes three steam generators, each of which consists of eight sections. Each section includes three modules: an evaporator, main and intermediate superheaters, connected by piping for water, steam and sodium. The modularity of the design makes it possible to easily replace the worn-out elements and, if necessary, isolate problem modules without shutting down the reactor.
The modules are structurally similar and represent vertical straight-tube heat exchangers with a bellows expansion joint on the body. The evaporator is made of 10X2M alloy steel. The length of the 430-tonevaporator module is about 17 metres with a diameter of 1 metre. In total, the plant will manufacture 21 modules for Beloyarsk 3. ZiO-Podolsk is the only manufacturer of steam generator modules for fast reactors in Russia.
