Hot-tests have been completed at unit 1 of the first nuclear power plant to be constructed in Belarus, Rosatom announced yesterday. The Russian state nuclear corporation said the milestone was an important stage in preparing the unit for commissioning.

Ostrovets units 1 and 2 in Belarus (Image: ASE)

At a pressure in the primary circuit of 160kg/square centimetre and at a temperature of more than 280 degrees Celsius, the performance of all four main circulation pumps was tested, the main steam pipelines were flushed out with their own steam, and the control and protection systems of the reactor installation and auxiliary power supply were checked. Testing of the main safety valves of the steam generators, pressure compensator and many other operations were also conducted.

"Hot testing began on 11 December last year and involved 242 tests, the main purpose of which was to confirm the compliance of the nuclear island's systems and equipment with the reactor's design characteristics when operating at rated parameters, as well as during heating and cooling of the switchgear before the power unit starts up," Rosatom said.

The next stage in preparing the unit for physical start-up includes an audit of the main and auxiliary equipment of the primary and secondary circuits, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-June.

The plant, under construction near Ostrovets in the Grodno region, consists of two VVER-1200 reactors that are scheduled for commissioning this year and next.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News