Izhorskiye Zavody completes reactor vessel for floating nuclear power plant

Izhorskiye Zavody, a part of OMZ Group, has produced the first KLT-40S reactor vessel for a floating nuclear power plant. The reactor successfully passed hydraulic testing for metal and welded joint strength.

Results of the hydraulic testing were evaluated by a commission which included representatives of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, Rosenergoatom Concern, Afrikantov OKBN (the customer), and Izhorskiye Zavody quality control specialists.

The hydraulic test was conducted in a special stand held to 250 kg/cm2 maximum pressure. Then using a special testing technology, the pressure was decreased to 200 kg/cm2 and the unit was left in this condition for an hour.

A contract to supply the vessel equipment for two reactors for the first floating low capacity nuclear power plant in the world was signed by Izhorskiye Zavody in December 2006. According to the contract Izhorskiye Zavody will ship 360 tons of equipment for the plant.

Floating low capacity nuclear plants are the ideal source of energy and heat for frontier areas in the extreme north. The KLT-40S reactor is recognized as the most efficient and fully proven. The model also has prototypes in operation as reactors of this type have been used in nuclear ice breakers for more than 35 years.