The full-length rod control system designed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China. [Photo/CNNC]

The full-length rod control system for reactor units 1 and 2 in the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant -- located in East China's Fujian province -- recently passed design reviews and will be installed, according to officials from China National Nuclear Corporation

The design work was undertaken by Nuclear Power Institute of China, or NPIC, a unit of China National Nuclear Corporation, also known as CNNC.

Experts said that the equipment is a third-generation intelligent nuclear power full length rod control system independently developed by China, whose performance is at advanced  international levels -- and its successful design laid a solid foundation for the construction of more reactors.

They also said that the NPIC has now established full overall supply capabilities for rod control systems.

The full-length rod control system is important instrument control equipment that is indispensable to the safe operation of nuclear power stations. It adjusts the position of the control rod in the reactor to activate the start-up, shutdown and operating power adjustments of the reactor, thereby ensuring safe and stable operation of the nuclear power plant.

With its advantages of having a small size, low power dissipation and other features, the system can be used in reactors adopting Hualong One technology, also known as HPR 1000, a domestically developed third-generation reactor design.

Officials said units 1 and 2 at the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant had adopted this technology.

The full-length rod control system designed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China. [Photo/CNNC]