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The first nuclear reactor developed by China, which will be integrated into the country’s network, closed in October.
The Hualong-1 test was carried out on October 27, on the safety shutoff systems of the steam pipes of reactor number five of the Fuqing nuclear power plant in Fujian province (east), according to the statement now released. by China Nuclear Safety Administration and quoted by state press.
When a large difference in vapor pressure was detected between different tubes, in a short period, the safety systems were activated and the reactor was automatically shut down.
“The security system responded to the requirements and there were no abnormalities in personnel operations. There was no radioactive leak or any adverse effect on the safety of personnel and the environment, ”says the same note.
Considering that the incident “may have had some significance as a reference for the safe and stable operation” of the Fuqing plant, a group of experts visited the complex between November 9 and 13 to try to determine the cause.
According to the investigation, there was a congestion in the steam piping system and the operator did not have enough knowledge and experience to deal with the situation.
Among the experts’ recommendations there are several mentions on how to avoid the effects of the so-called ‘water hammer’, which occurs when there is an acceleration of the flow in a closed tube with water at rest, due to a rapid pressurization of the system, which it may cause damage. Serious damage to pipes.
This fact did not prevent the Chinese authorities from connecting the reactor to the grid on November 27, a milestone for the country’s nuclear industry.
According to the official Chinese press, the main components of the Hualong-1 were produced in China and give the reactor a useful life of about 60 years.
The authorities have ensured that this type of power generators, also known as HPR1000, meet the “strictest safety standards” worldwide.
Construction of unit five of the Fuqing nuclear power plant, the first in China to have these third-generation reactors, began in 2015 and was completed two years later, while another generator, future unit six, is scheduled to be completed on the next year.
There are currently six other Hualong-1s under construction overseas, including two in Karachi, Pakistan.
The Chinese reactor was also offered to Argentina as part of the agreement to build the fourth and fifth nuclear power plants in the South American country.
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