The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor demonstration project at the Shidaowan nuclear power plant. [Photo/CNNC]

A key section called the node of the No 2 reactor of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor demonstration project -- at the Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Weihai city, in East China’s Shandong province -- was completed on March 18, according to local reports.

That’s as the reactor’s presser vessel, steam generator and hot gas duct were successfully paired and connected.

The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, also known as the HTGR, is a key national science and technology project.

Experts explained that the precise pairing of the key node refers the three main sections of equipment of the reactor -- the pressure vessel, steam generator and hot gas duct.

These were then rigidly connected in the form of a flange to form a primary circuit system for the thermal energy transmission of the reactor, which constitutes a second barrier to prevent the leakage of radioactive materials.

The experts said that the key node pairing was completed 2.5 days ahead of schedule, creating the necessary prerequisites for the subsequent reinstallation of the low temperature helium riser of the steam generator, the installation of the main steam detachable pipe section and the installation of the main helium fan.