Petrozavodsk Branch of JSC AEM-technology (it belongs to the engineering division of Rosatom, Atomenergomash; member of the Karelia Regional Division of SouyzMash) completed assembling bodies of reactor coolant pumps (RCP) for the first unit of the Kursk NPP-2. All the assembly and welding operations were completed, welded joints successfully passed all the required types of inspections. Specialists of the Petrozavodsk Branch of JSC “VO “Safety” performed acceptance and quality control of the equipment.

The reactor coolant pump is equipment of Safety Class 1. At a nuclear power plant, it ensures the circulation of the coolant from the reactor to the steam generators; it operates under the coolant pressure of about 160 atmospheres and the temperature of 300 degrees. The delivery set per NPP unit consists of four spherical bodies of the RCP. The mass of a body is over 31 t, and its height is 3.5 m, while the width is over 3 m. The body also has a suspension element, so-called spacer; the weight of the equipment is 48 t with the spacer.

Different examination techniques are applied at all the stages of the RCP body manufacturing; welded joints are checked with the help of a dye penetrant, ultrasound, and X-ray tests.

After the completion of the assembling, the RCP body is subject to heat treatment. The first body for Kursk NPP-2 successfully passed that treatment. Then, the required set of operations is to be performed for machine processing and inspection, check assembly with the spacer, hydraulic tests.

JSC Atomenergomash is the single-source manufacturer of the reactor plant and auxiliary equipment for the turbine hall of the Kursk NPP. The companies of the division will produce reactors, steam generators, pumping, heat exchanging, and other equipment to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the NPP during the entire service life.