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First steam generator for Karachi 3

Tuesday, 21 August 2018

The first steam generator has been hoisted into place at Pakistan's Karachi unit 3, using an improved version of the "pre-introduction" method, China National Nuclear Corporation has announced.

First steam generator for Karachi 3 — Karachi 3's first steam generator is hoisted into place (Image: CNNC)

CNNC said its new method using an E-frame to "flip" the component can improve efficiency and safety, as well as reducing labour intensity and reducing the chance of human error, compared with the traditional "fixed bracket" installation. The technique further improves the safety and economy of the "pre-introduction" construction method - where the main reactor equipment is installed before the dome of the containment building - which CNNC first used in a reactor of this type at Karachi 2.

The process of preparing, orientating, lifting and hoisting Karachi 3's steam generator into the nuclear island reactor building took just over five hours to complete.

Karachi 2 and 3 are the first export of China's Hualong One pressurised water reactor design, with construction of unit 2 beginning in 2015 and unit 3 in 2016. The units are scheduled for commercial operation in 2021 and 2022, respectively, when they will add a further 2322 MWe to Pakistan's existing nuclear generation capacity of 1355 MWe from five operating units: a small pressurised heavy water reactor at Karachi, and four Chinese-designed pressurised water reactors at Chashma. A third 1161 MWe Hualong One unit is planned for construction at Chashma.

Four Hualong One units - also known as HPR1000 - are under construction in China. Fanchenggang 3 and 4 and Fuqing 5 and 6 are all expected to enter commercial operation in 2019-2020.