Balakovo nuclear power plant workers in Russia have successfully removed the first of four spent steam generators from storage, preparing it for transport, dismantling, and eventual disposal.
Partners in Pilot Project for Steam Generator Disposal
The pilot project for transporting and disposing of the PGV-1000 M type steam generators involved a collaborative effort between the Balakovo plant, FSUE RADON, OOO OKB Spetstyazhproekt, and the Balakovo branch of JSC Atomenergoremont (Rosatom’s Electric Power Division).
Decades-Long Storage and Decontamination Process
The used steam generators, each weighing 322 tonnes, had been stored in a dedicated facility at the Balakovo plant for over 30 years. Upon removal from the power unit, they underwent internal chemical cleaning and external decontamination.
Lead shot was added to the primary circuit connectors for biological protection. All connectors were then sealed and welded, followed by the application of a protective paint and varnish coating.
Innovative Solutions for Safe and Efficient Transportation
To execute this innovative project, a comprehensive set of design programs and solutions was developed to facilitate the extraction of oversized metal equipment.
Additionally, extensive organizational documentation was prepared for the equipment’s transportation, processing, and disposal. The project also included dredging the Volga River bottom and reinforcing the berth from which the steam generators will be transported by barge.
Dismantling Storage and Transporting to Volga Berth
Evgeny Poryadchenko, Deputy Head of the Reactor Equipment Repair Shop at Balakovoatomenergoremont, explained the removal process, stating that the storage wall was dismantled to access the steam generators.
The equipment was then placed on rails and transported to the plant’s heavy equipment site. Using the SBL portal system, each steam generator was transferred to a 14-axle platform with air suspension for transportation to the Volga berth.
Safety Assurance and Future Plans
Dmitry Izotov, Deputy Chief Engineer for Radiation Protection at Balakovo NPP, confirmed the safety of the extracted steam generators, stating that each one underwent thorough radiation inspection and sealing. The equipment is safe for unpackaged transport by road and water.
The project plans to send three more PGV-1000 M steam generators from the Balakovo plant for disposal. Rosenergoatom has indicated that a significant portion of the metal recovered after processing will be repurposed in industrial production.