One of the most important stages of construction – welding of the main circulation pipeline (MCP) – has been completed in the reactor department of Belarus NPP Unit 1 (the principal contractor is Group of Companies ASE). MCP assembling started on June 4 and completed on August 21. Over 78 days specialists welded all 28 butt welds controlling the operations step-by-step.
In the coming days, specialists of PJSC Energospetsmontazh plan to complete overlaying austenitic stainless steel on the inner welds of the MCP which will protect the pipeline from corrosive environs.
The main circulation pipeline (diameter – 850 mm, wall thickness – 70 mm, total length – more than 130 m) connects essential equipment of the primary circuit: reactor, steam generators and reactor coolant pumps. The MCP is designed for the coolant (water) circulation at a temperature of 350oC and pressure of 17.6 MPa.