Russian nuclear equipment producer Atomenergomash has begun manufacturing the main components for Unit 6 of the Kudankulam nuclear power station under construction in Tamil Nadu, southern India.
The Russian state company said it has started the manufacturing process for the plant’s reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and steam generator set.
In a nuclear power plant, the RPV is one of the largest reactor components, a vessel containing the nuclear reactor coolant, core shroud, and the reactor core and fuel. Steam generators act as heat exchangers where water carrying heat generated from the nuclear reaction is used to turn demineralised water into steam.
The Russian state company said it has started the manufacturing process for the plant’s reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and steam generator set.
In a nuclear power plant, the RPV is one of the largest reactor components, a vessel containing the nuclear reactor coolant, core shroud, and the reactor core and fuel. Steam generators act as heat exchangers where water carrying heat generated from the nuclear reaction is used to turn demineralised water into steam.
According to Atomenergomash, the various parts of the RPV and steam generators have already been forged, but are now being tested and are undergoing preliminary anti-corrosion procedures. The final manufacturing stage will consist of assembly of the components by welding.
Kudankulam-6 is the second Russia-supplied AES-92 VVER-1000 plant at the site and the sixth Russian unit in total. Kudankulam-3 and -4 are VVER-1000/V-412 plants and have been under construction since 2017. Rosatom said they are about 50% complete.
Two other units, 1 and 2, began commercial operation in 2014 and 2017 respectively. They are also VVER-1000/V-412 plants.
