The core catcher casing with weight of 156 t and height of 6.1 m has been installed in its design position at Unit 3 of Xudabao NPP being constructed in China under Russian design VVER-1200.
The core catcher is one of passive safety systems, which ensure isolation of the reactor building foundation slab from core melting in the event of a severe accident. This operation is one of the critical path activities under the schedule, after which further construction of the reactor pit becomes possible.
For reference:
Xudabao NPP is a new project of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of nuclear energy, located in the city of Huludao (Liaoning Province). In 2019, a number of contracts were signed, including the General Contract for the construction of Units 3 and 4 of Xudabao NPP with VVER-1200 reactors, as well as the contract for the supply of nuclear fuel. In accordance with the contracts, the Russian party will design the “nuclear island” of the plant, supply key equipment for the nuclear island for both power units, provide designer supervision, installation supervision and adjustment supervision services for the equipment supplied. Commissioning of the units is scheduled for 2027-2028.
