Welding operations were directly performed by employees of welding section of Central Branch of JSC MSU-90 in the Republic of Turkey. They welded all 28 butt joints of the pipeline within 68 days.

Reactor coolant pipeline connects the components of reactor plant – reactor vessel, steam generators, reactor coolant pumps. Its length is 160 metres, wall thickness is 7 cm. In the course of NPP operation, it will ensure circulation of coolant which is highly demineralised water with the temperature up to 330 °C under the pressure of 160 atmospheres.

Upon completion of welding of each joint NDT inspectors assessed weld joint quality using ultrasound, liquid penetrant and other methods. Heat treatment of joints was performed simultaneously with the welding. At the subsequent stage specialists will make special stainless-steel surfacing at the inner surface of the welds to ensure additional protection for pipeline walls.

Quality of work and compliance with the requirements to their performance were monitored by specialists of JSC AKKUYU NÜKLEER, Nuclear Regulatory Agency of Turkey (NDK) and independent construction supervision authority – Assystem.

Employees who directly participated in welding and control operations received memorabilia and letters of recognition from Anastasia Zoteyeva, the Director General of JSC AKKUYU NÜKLEER on the wording “For participation in successful completion of welding operations on reactor coolant pipeline of Akkuyu NPP Power Unit No. 1”. 29 persons in total have received awards. Among them there are managers of contractor organizations, welders, NDT inspectors, installation fitters and other specialists.

Source: JSC AKKUYU NÜKLEER

For information:

The TITAN-2 holding is a Russian group of companies that builds nuclear facilities. Organisations of the holding perform the whole cycle of works, from development of basic design documentation to facility commissioning.

The TITAN-2 holding is the general contractor for construction of the new power units of the Leningrad NPP. At the construction site, the organisations of the holding perform all civil construction, installation, and electric installation works.

The holding participates in the construction of Akkuyu NPP in Turkey, Paks II NPP in Hungary and El-Dabaa NPP in Egypt.