Core melt localisation device is unique equipment and is one of the most important NPP safety systems.
The case of the core melt localisation device or the so-called core catcher has been installed in the design position under the reactor pit of power unit No.4 of Kudankulam NPP which is under construction in India under VVER-1000 Russian design. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is situated in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu.
Core melt localization device is unique equipment developed by Russian nuclear experts, it is one of the most important NPP safety systems. The case of the device weighs over 160 tons. A heavy-duty crane was used for its installation.
Vadim Khlivenko, Deputy Director for Projects in India, Head of Construction Division at Kudankulam NPP Construction Site said, “The installation of the core catcher in the design position is an important step of the NPP construction. It is a unique system of NPP projection and the first large-size equipment item that is installed in the reactor building. Currently core catchers are installed at all the NPPs constructed under Russian designs”.
The core catcher for Unit 4 was shipped to Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant on the ZEA FOCUS marine vessel in December 2019.