The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has completed cold hydrostatic testing (CHT) at Abu Dhabi’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, an important step towards the completion of Unit 3 of the 4-unit plant.
According to ENEC, the CHT was preceded by a flushing of Unit 3’s nuclear steam supply systems with demineralized water and the installation of reactor pressure vessel head and reactor coolant pump seals.
During the test, the welds, joints, pipes and components of the reactor’s coolant system and associated high-pressure systems were verified. As part of the test, the pressure inside Unit 3’s systems were increased to 25 percent more than its planned normal operating pressure.
“The successful completion of the CHT ensures that unit 3’s coolant systems and high-pressure components meet the highest international standards of quality and safety, as per the regulations of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation,” said ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi.
“I am proud of the progress being made at Barakah,” Al Hammadi added. “Step by step, we are moving closer to achieving our goal of supplying the UAE with clean and reliable electricity to power its future growth and development.”
The testing process was assisted by inspection teams from Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).
Earlier this year, ENEC and KEPCO successfully completed all major construction work at the plant, including major concrete pouring, the installation of the turbine generator and the internal components of the reactor pressure vessel of Unit 3.
According to ENEC, Unit 3 is 86 percent complete, while the overall progress rate of units 1 through 4 was more than 91 percent complete at the end of October.
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