The K-3 unit of the Karachi nuclear power plant in Pakistan. [Photo/CNNC]

Installation of all reactor internals of the China-built K-3 unit at the Karachi nuclear power plant in Pakistan was completed on April 4, according to local reports.

Experts said the development was a key milestone in the progress of the project. During the process of assembling and adapting to the pressure vessel, all the assembly and installation dimensions met design requirements, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent nuclear circuit flushing and cold performance test of the K-3 unit, they added.

As core components in the reactor pressure vessel, the reactor internals are manufactured and assembled with the highest degree of precision.

They mainly provide reliable support and accurate positioning for fuel and related components, bear all the load of the core components and transfer to the reactor pressure vessel -- supplying  protection and guidance for control rod components, a flow channel for the coolant in the stack, a heat shield for the pressure vessel and reduced radiation damage, among others.

The Karachi K-3 unit is the second overseas reactor adopting Hualong One technology, or HPR 1000, a China-developed third-generation reactor design.

Installation of reactor internals of the K-3 unit of the Karachi nuclear power plant is completed. [Photo/CNNC]