The concrete pouring of the outer dome of the Unit 1 containment building at the Taipingling nuclear power plant has been completed , China General Nuclear (CGN) announced. This marks the completion of the main structure of Unit 1, which is the first of six Hualong One units planned at the site located in Guangdong Province, China.
The design of the Hualong One reactor includes a double-layer containment structure and the main function of the containment building is to ensure the integrity and tightness of the reactor, playing a crucial role in the containment of radioactive material.
Details of the containment structure at the Taipingling nuclear power plant.
[post_relacionado]In December 2021, the steel inner security dome was installed at Taipingling 1. It has a diameter of 45 meters, a height of nearly 14 meters and a weight of approximately 225 tons.
In addition, CGN explained that the outer containment of the Taipingling 1 unit is composed of three parts: the cylindrical structure, the external water tank and the hemispherical dome. The outer dome, later placed over the inner dome, measures 55 meters in diameter, 13 meters high and weighs about 420 tons.
On the other hand, the concreting of the outer dome was completed on May 30, according to the company. The purpose of this pour is to seal the hemispherical dome structure, thus increasing the safety and airtightness of the unit once completed.
Another important fact is that the Taipingling plant will have six Hualong One reactors. Construction of units 1 and 2 began in 2019 and 2020. The second phase of the plant, which includes units 3 and 4, received approval from China’s State Council on December 29, 2023.
Steady progress in Taipingling
CGN mentioned that the Taipingling nuclear power project is progressing steadily. Unit 1 is at a critical stage prior to hot functional testing, while unit 2 is at the peak of installation. Both units of the first phase of the project are expected to start operating and generating electricity in 2025.
Finally, CGN has already built two Hualong One demonstration units as units 3 and 4 at its Fangchenggang plant in the Guangxi Autonomous Region. Unit 3 began commercial operations on March 25 last year, while unit 4 started commercial operations last month.
The Hualong One design, jointly developed by China General Nuclear and China National Nuclear Corporation China National Nuclear Corporation is a model of a nuclear reactor that meets international safety and efficiency standards, positioning China as a leader in advanced nuclear technology.
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Source and photo: worldnuclearnews