Installation of “core catcher”, the device for catching molten core (active part of the reactor that contains nuclear fuel) material has commenced at unit no. 1 of Roopur Nuclear Power Plant.
It is an important element in the passive safety system of a most modern nuclear reactor.
Architect Yeafesh Osman, Minister for Science and Technology, Alexander Khazin, Senior Vice-President for Overseas Projects, Atomstroyexport (ASE), Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, Project Director of Rooppur NPP and other senior officials attended the ceremony, held at the Rooppur NPP site on Saturday, said a statement.
“This is a unique safety system of the NPP and for the first time such a large-size equipment of aprox. 200 tons is being installed in the reactor building. According to the schedule, the installation will be completed within 6 months”, said Alexander Khazin. “All works for construction of power unit No1 are progressing according to the schedule. Currently about 5 thousand tons of cement are being used daily at the construction site, about 4 thousand people are involved in construction activities”
The core catcher , one of the elements of the passive safety system was first installed at Tianwan NPP in China ,which was built under the Russian design.
VVER-1200 reactors of generation III+ to be set up at Rooppur NPP will have a unique combination of active and passive safety systems that ensure maximum stability against external and internal factors.
Rooppur NPP with two VVER-1200 reactors and the total capacity of 2400 MW is being constructed under the Russian design, in accordance with General Contract, signed on 25 December 2015. Atomstroyexport, the Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation is implementing the project as the General Contractor.
First Concrete Pouring Ceremony for power unit No 1 took place on 30 November, 2017, marking the beginning of main construction phase. The First Concrete Pouring Ceremony of the Unit 2 was held on July 14 of the current year.
Each stage of Roopur NPP construction is stringently being monitored by IAEA and Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA).
-rmc//