Another important milestone was left behind in the 2nd power unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) built by Rosatom, the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation, in Türkiye. The installation of the main circulation pumps (ASP) in the reactor section of this unit of the plant was successfully completed.
Four Main Circulation Pumps Arrived in Place
At this critical stage of the project, the last of the four main spherical pump bodies was precisely placed in its design position using a special crawler crane. The heavy equipment was transported to the installation area using a special method called “open top”, which was carried out from the open top of the reactor building. Before being brought to its design position, expert teams carefully connected this important equipment, which was moved to a special area next to the power unit building, to the lower intermediate part, which is the suspension element, and to the biological protection ring that provides radiation safety.
Statement from Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. General Manager
“By completing the installation of the main circulation pumps, we have completed the installation of the main equipment at the reactor plant of Power Unit 2. The reactor pressure vessel, steam generators and safety system vessels are already in place, and we will soon start welding the main circulation pipeline to connect all the components,” said Sergei Butckikh, General Manager of Akkuyu Nuclear Inc., expressing his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
Importance of Main Circulation Pumps
The pressure vessels of the main circulation pump units are manufactured from first-class materials in accordance with nuclear safety standards. This critical equipment ensures the continuous circulation of coolant, namely purified water, at a temperature of approximately 300 degrees Celsius and under a high pressure of approximately 160 atmospheres in the nuclear power plant between the reactor core and the steam generators. Each power unit of nuclear power plants with VVER-1200 type reactors is equipped with four main circulation pump units to perform this vital task. The smooth operation of these pumps is of vital importance for the control of the nuclear reaction and the continuity of energy production.
