Rosatom Finshes Main Circulation Pipeline Welding at Akkuyu NPP

Russian state owned nuclear energy leader Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation announced that another important stage is completed within Akkuyu NPP Unit 1 construction. Main circulation pipeline welding, which had started on 19 March 12022, was finished on 25 May. Within 68 days, the specialists welded all 28 joints of the pipeline. The complex welding works was carried out by the main Akkuyu NPP construction contractor, the joint venture TITAN2 IC İÇTAŞ İNŞAAT ANONİM ŞIRKETİ. The quality of works and compliance with strict performance requirements were controlled by experts from AKKUYU NUCLEAR JSC, Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) of Turkey and ASSYSTEM, an independent construction control organization.On completion of the welding works on each seam, non-destructive testing operators assessed the quality of the welded joints using ultrasonic, capillary, and other control methods. The heat treatment of the joints was conducted in parallel with the welding works. At the next stage, specialists will have to make special stainless-steel overlays to cover the inner surface of the seams which will serve as an additional protection for the pipeline walls.The length of the MCP is 160 meters. The wall thickness of the pipe made of special steel is 7 centimeters. At the NPP operation stage the coolant, i.e. deeply demineralized water up to 330 degrees Celsius at a pressure of 160 atmospheres, will circulate in the MCP. Water circulating in the MCP does not intermix with seawater in any way.Thermal energy produced in the reactor is to be transferred through the steam generator heat exchange tubes from the first circuit to the second one. It will result in producing saturated steam. Through the steam pipeline, it will enter the steam turbine, which sets the generator in motion to produce electricity.

Rosatom Finshes Main Circulation Pipeline Welding at Akkuyu NPP

Strategic Research Institute

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