The main stage of the complex testing of Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage

The main stage of Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Facility (ISF-2) integrated testing with use of spent fuel assembly (SFA) dummies started at the ChNPP industrial site.

The testing includes the receiving of a railcar from ISF-1, processing of 9 dummies (namely detaching the lower and upper spent fuel bundles, inserting the dummies into the fuel storage tubes and double-wall shielding canisters (DWC). Personnel of the State Specialized Enterprise “ChNPP”, as well as representatives of the SNRIU and the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety were involved in the testing procedures.

The completed individual testing of the majority of systems, namely main process systems for handling a transfer cask, SFAs, fuel storage tubes, DWCs etc. enabled to carry out this stage of testing.

From May 18, within the framework of ISF-2 integrated testing with dummies it is scheduled to carry out the primary procedure qualification of welding technique which will be used for DWC handling.

Simultaneously with ISF-2 integrated Testing with dummies, the operational trial of process video surveillance system and process control and monitoring system are carried out.

During the subsequent two stages of ISF-2 integrated Testing with SFA dummies it is planned to conduct the trials associated with liquid and solid waste management systems, “hot cell”* ventilation system. Moreover, the maintainability of “hot cell” equipment will be checked. In the course of these operations, an additional crane trolley of the main crane will be used in Room 501.

Entirely, all three stages of ISF-2 integrated testing with SFA dummies are scheduled to complete till the end of June 2019.

On State Specialized Enterprise “ChNPP” materials.


* «hot cells» are used in both the nuclear-energy and the nuclear-medicines industries. They are required to protect individuals from radioactive isotopes by providing a safe containment box in which they can control and manipulate the equipment required.