Completing Plant Testing: Fact Sheet

(MENAFNEditorial) Abu Dhabi, UAE, July 2, 2016:Before entering commercial operation, nuclear energy plants undergo extensive testing to verify that all components and systems operate efficiently, reliably and as designed. Tests of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are underway and are conducted in line with international standards and best practices.

Each test represents a significant milestone in the development of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant. In the first half of 2016, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) completed three key tests—Cold Hydrostatic Testing, Structural Integrity Testing and Integrated Leak Rate Testing.

Cold Hydrostatic Testing
Cold Hydrostatic Testing (CHT) verifies that welds, joints, pipes and components of the reactor coolant system and associated high-pressure systems meet quality standards, per the regulations of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation. During the testing, water fills the primary circuit and pressure is increased inside the system. Inspections are performed to verify no component and pipe system leakages.

ENEC successfully completed CHT on Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in February 2016.

Structural Integrity Testing
Structural Integrity Testing (SIT) assesses the strength and stability of the Reactor Containment Building (RCB) by subjecting it to high internal pressure. This pressurization simulates an event where cooling to the reactor is stopped to ensure that the RCB will safely withstand such conditions.

Throughout the SIT, internal pressure is increased in stages to 1.15 times the pressure expected to occur during normal operating conditions. During the test, personnel collect and record data on any structural deformations or external concrete cracks. This information is used to validate the strength of the RCB. After collection of data at maximum pressure, the RCB is depressurized in stages, with collection of similar data. Once depressurized, a visual internal inspection is performed to identify any deformations of the RCB liner plate.

Unit 1 at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant completed SIT in June 2016, successfully demonstrating the structural integrity of the RCB. No abnormal deformations were observed.

Integrated Leak Rate Testing
Integrated Leak Rate Testing (ILRT) is important for ensuring that water and gases will not be released into the environment.

Similar to SIT, personnel pressurize the RCB during ILRT to assess its performance under abnormal conditions. Personnel stabilize the RCB at a constant pressure over a 12-hour period. Then they check for leaks over a 24-hour period to confirm that the RCB is adequately sealed. Once the 24-hour test period is complete, personnel complete a four-hour test to validate instrumentation and then depressurize the RCB.

In June 2016, ILRT was completed at Barakah Unit 1, successfully demonstrating the tightness of the RCB against leaks.

Future Tests
ENEC will complete several more tests on Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant as they prepare it for commissioning and commercial operation.

The next major test is Hot Functional Testing (HFT), which is a key test leading up to fuel load. During HFT, dozens of systems within the reactor are run simultaneously at pressures and temperatures that simulate full operation. This testing demonstrates that the systems necessary for making and moving steam operate as designed, representing another major milestone as the UAE’s first nuclear power plant prepares for commissioning and commercial operation.