The case of the core melt localization device, or the so called “molten core catcher” was installed in the design position under the reactor pit of power Unit 3.
Vladimir Angelov, Director for Projects in India, noted: “Core melt localization device is a unique development of Russian nuclear experts and one of the most important NPP safety systems. This is a special system for beyond-design-basis accidents management”.
Core catcher for Kudankulam NPP is a device of new generation adapted for the relevant site conditions and safety requirements, it has improved seismic resistance, hydro-dynamic and shock strength, as well as equipped with flood protection and simplified installation and assembly technology.
The case of the device weighs 147.5 tons. The equipment was lifted to the height of 27 meters above the surface and installed in the design position by means of the tracked crane Liebherr LR11350 which is placed between two nuclear islands.
Except for the case, main components of the core catcher are: block-assemblies filled with special non-metallic materials, maintenance platform, cantilever truss and bottom plate.
For reference:
Units 3&4, 5&6 are the second and third stages of Kudankulam NPP, which are being constructed on the basis of AES-92 design with reactor plant of VVER-1000 type (V-412). Technical solutions implemented in the design of Kudankulam NPP are characteristic for the ways of further evolutionary development of NPP units with high-power VVER reactor and transition to the creation of a breakthrough reliable, safe and cost-efficient power unit.
New units of Kudankulam NPP comply with the most up-to-date safety requirements of the IAEA.
The developer is technical customer of the facility, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. The general designer and equipment supplier is ASE EC JSC.
Currently, Units 1&2 of Kudankulam NPP are operating at the capacity set by the dispatch schedule.
The radiation background at Kudankulam NPP and within its location area is at the level corresponding to the normal operation of power units, and does not exceed natural background values.
Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division was established by integration of the leading companies of the industry: ASE EC JSC (Nizhny Novgorod), Atomstroyexport JSC (Nizhny Novgorod), Atomenergoproekt JSC (Moscow) and ATOMPROEKT JSC (St. Petersburg).
The Engineering Division is one of the global leaders in nuclear power engineering and holds about 30% of the global NPP construction market. It carries out its activities in Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa as well as in the Asia-Pacific region.
80% of the Division’s revenue is accounted for by foreign projects.
It implements design and construction projects for high-power NPPs, renders a full range of EPC, EPC(M) services and develops Multi-D technologies for management of complex engineering facilities. The Engineering Division rests upon the 50-year experience of the Russian nuclear power industry and state-of-the-art innovation technologies.
We construct reliable and safe NPPs with 3+Gen VVER reactors that are in line with all international requirements and recommendations.
www.ase-ec.ru