Nuclear power plant Krsko has been out of operation since October 5 due to a leak in the primary system. NPP performed the preparation of two new sections of piping and began welding them to the reactor vessel connections. The NPP’s reconnection to the network is planned for mid-November.
After the leakage in one of the lines of the primary circuit’s connection system was discovered, NPP Krsko decided to completely replace a section of the piping, from the connection to the reactor long-term and the soonest possible resumption of operations, the company decided to replace the piping in the same scope on another line of the system.
Both sections of the piping have been removed, and preparations have been made for the installation of new ones. At the same time, the training of welders and pipe preparers on models matching the space near the reactor vessel and the new piping in terms of size and layout continued.
Two new sections of piping were already delivered to the containment and placed at the construction site. Subsequently, the welding of these sections to the connections of the reactor container began, which was one of the most demanding parts of the project, given the challenging conditions of limited space and the use of full protective equipment.
Following successful radiographic, ultrasonic, penetrant and visual inspections, work commenced on the other side of the piping in the so-called valve rooms. The new piping needs to be precisely installed on the existing piping, and welded, and the quality of the welds verified through non-destructive testing. These works should be completed by the end of the week, while the reconnection to the network is planned for mid-November.
