The device is being transported to Sosnovy Bor from Syzran, from the Tyazhmash JSC production site. It will be installed in the reactor building of Unit No. 3.
The core catcher is a unique development by Russian nuclear scientists and one of the most important safety systems at NPP. It is one of the most modern and effective technical tools specifically designed for managing beyond-design-basis accidents at the ex-vessel stage. The catcher is used to receive, place and cool the melted materials of the reactor zone, reactor internals and the reactor vessel until the complete crystallization. All Russian WWER-1200 Generation III+ power units, including those being built abroad with the support of the Rosatom State Corporation, are equipped with core catchers. This ensures an unprecedented level of safety and environmental friendliness.
In total, the core catcher will travel over 2,000 kilometres. The total cargo weight is over 730 tons. Optimal logistics has been developed to deliver this equipment to Sosnovy Bor. Natural waterways and existing canal systems are used to transport such large-sized cargo. This delivery method ensures cargo safety and is cost-effective.
The device will be delivered to the construction site of the PJSC «NBD» («SUS») (which is part of TITAN-2 Holding). There, the catcher will undergo an incoming inspection and then be installed in its designated location in the reactor cavity of Unit No. 3, a WWER-1200 reactor at the LNPP-2.
This key operation is scheduled to have been completed by the end of November this year.
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.