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Welding defect uncovered at Rostov NPP unit's key pipe, says Rosenergoatom

According to the report, no violation of the parameters and terms of safe exploitation was registered

Rostov nuclear power plant Dmitry Rogulin/TASS

Rostov nuclear power plant

© Dmitry Rogulin/TASS

ROSTOV-ON-DON, October 21. /TASS/. Specialists have detected a welding defect on a pipe at Unit 2 of the Rostov nuclear power plant (NPP), the Rosenergoatom concern reported via its Telegram channel on Thursday.

"On October 21, 2021, at 00:54 am Moscow time, personnel of the Rostov NPP’s Unit 2 detected steam emanating due to a welding defect on a pipe 18 mm in diameter, related to the steam level and humidity control system in the steam generating unit," the report said. The system is part of the second ‘clear’ circuit with clear, non-radioactive water circulating, according to the concern.

Unit 2 has been taken offline for maintenance upon request and in line with the established procedure since carrying out upkeep work at the site of the heated equipment is impossible. No violation of the parameters and terms of safe exploitation has been registered, the report said.

Rosenergoatom said earlier that Unit 2 of the Rostov NPP had been taken offline for extensive repairs for 45 days from August 2 to September 19. The reactor system of the unit, as well as all safety systems, underwent maintenance, overhaul, and repairs, the concern said. Moreover, the low-pressure cylinder of the turbine generating unit, the turbine generator and the main equipment of the turbine house were repaired.

The Rostov nuclear power plant is a subsidiary of the Rosenergoatom concern (part of Rosatom). It was known as the Volgodonsk NPP in 2001-2010. The NPP is located on the banks of the Tsimlyansk reservoir, 13.5 kilometers to the northeast of Volgodonsk. Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd are situated 205 and 175 kilometers away from the NPP, respectively.

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