New Developments at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant
The 5th layer of the inner containment shell of the 3rd Power Unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has been successfully installed. This important structure serves as the transition piece connecting the cylindrical and dome sections of the containment shell.
The assembly process began with the assembly of the protective shell, which consisted of 12 support sections. These sections were joined and welded to form a single ring structure weighing approximately 115 tons. Special brackets were then added to the support sections, and a rail track was installed for the circular gantry crane (pole crane) to move. As a result of these operations, the total weight of the structure reached 396 tons.
The weight of the crane’s hook suspension increased to 50 tons, bringing the total load carried by the crawler crane to almost 450 tons. General Manager of Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. Sergei Butckikh made the following statements regarding the completion of the installation process:
“We completed the installation of the 5th layer of the protective shell by the end of 2023. Installation of the consoles to which the pole crane rail is attached is usually carried out at height after the installation of the tier. However, in order to best organize the timing of further construction and installation work, we decided to install the consoles while the tier is still on the ground and then place the assembled structure in its designed location. Russian and Turkish experts, assemblers, crane operators and formworkers once again demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and successfully installed the multi-ton structure.”
Akkuyu NPP is equipped with modern and high-tech VVER-1200 type reactors. The experience of safe operation of many generations of nuclear power plants was taken into account in the design and construction of the power units. Units with VVER-1200 type reactors have double protection layers, internal and external. Each layer consists of a strong metal frame and special concrete. It is reported that these structures ensure the sealing and safety of the reactor compartment against all kinds of external effects such as earthquakes of up to magnitude 9, tsunamis, hurricanes and natural disasters and their combinations.
