A 10-year Process of ChNPP Fuel Transfer to ISF-2 Started

On 8 June, a long-lasting process of the ChNPP spent fuel transfer to the Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Facility (ISF-2) started.

21 000 fuel assemblies used during operation of ChNPP Units 1-3 (1977—2000) will be retrieved from the Wet Fuel Storage Facility (ISF-1) and transported to new storage facility by means of the train specially equipped for the transport of radioactive material. 10 years are necessary to perform all the work.

ChNPP personnel will perform all fuel handling operations under strict supervision of the IAEA.

It is to be recalled that ISF-1 (commissioned in 1986) — is a wet-type storage facility which is not envisaged for long-term storage of the spent fuel. Its lifetime will expire at the end of 2025. That is why, the Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Facility (ISF-2) will be constructed at ChNPP site to ensure long-term storage of ISF-1 spent fuel. ISF-2 is designed for storage of the spent fuel during 100 years.

On 26 April 2021, the ChNPP obtained the license for the right to perform activities at life stage “Operation of Nuclear Facility — Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Facility (ISF-2)”.

Algorithm of spent fuel management at ISF-2 envisages the following:

1) spent fuel transport from ISF-1 to ISF-2 where each spent fuel assembly is divided into two fuel bundles at the facility specially designed for spent fuel preparation for storage;

2) placing of fuel bundle into specially designed fuel cartridge;

3) placing of 186 fuel cartridges with fuel bundles into sealed double-walled canister made of borated stainless steel;

4) drying of the stainless steel double-walled canister filled with fuel cartridges with fuel bundles at the facility specially designed for gas drying and filling of stainless steel double-walled canisters with inert gas (helium);

5) testing of the leaktightness of the stainless steel double-walled canister filled with spent fuel and its transport to the storage zone;

6) placing of the stainless steel double-walled canister filled with spent fuel to the concrete storage module and storage during 100 years.

See ChNPP video to get more information about ISF-2 operation:

https://youtu.be/3oQTq92R2Ts

SSE ChNPP