The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has successfully completed Hot Functional Testing (HFT) on Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. This significant pre-operational testing process incorporated all lessons learned from the same test on Unit 1 in order to achieve the highest international standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
"We are proud to have maintained our track record of safety and efficiency with the successful completion of Hot Functional Testing on Unit 2. By incorporating the lessons learned from the same tests on Unit 1, we continue to establish Barakah as the benchmark for new nuclear construction projects worldwide," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of Enec. "Keeping construction progress approximately one year apart for each of the units at the Barakah makes it possible for us to implement all lessons learned from one unit to the subsequent ones, in line with international best practices in the management of megaprojects."
The HFT took place over a number of weeks and consisted of almost 200 individual and integrated tests performed on major systems to check their performance under normal operational conditions, without the presence of nuclear fuel in the reactor. The test includes the first time that most of the reactor's systems experience the operational temperature of nearly 300° C and operational pressure of more than 150kg per square centimetre, which is the equivalent of 1,500 metres below water. It is also the first time that the turbine is spun at its maximum speed of 1,500 revolutions per minute (RPM), demonstrating its readiness to operate once the reactor starts up for normal operations.
"This most recent round of testing ensures that Unit 2's systems and components are on track to reliably and safely perform their intended functions when the plant becomes operational. The pre-operational commissioning phase of a nuclear energy plant is a complex and critical step towards starting to operate the plant. It is essential that it is tested under operational conditions without nuclear fuel to demonstrate that the highest standards of safety, security and quality are achieved," added Al Hammadi.
During the HFT, components were checked for thermal expansion, vibration and wear. The results demonstrate that all systems perform in accordance with the highest quality and safety standards under normal operating conditions. Most notably, the pressuriser safety valve test, pre-core reactor coolant system flow measurement test and main turbine system test were performed, proving that major components and systems work as designed and meet all requirements for normal operation.
In the end of June, the construction progress rate of Unit 2 of the Barakah Plant was 93 per cent and overall construction progress rate for the four Units is now more than 89 per cent. All four units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient electricity to the UAE grid, and prevent the release of more than 21 million tons of greenhouse gas emission every year.
What is Hot Functional Testing?
The Hot Functional Teasting (HFT) takes place over a number of weeks and consists of almost 200 individual and integrated tests performed on major systems to check their performance, without the presence of nuclear fuel in the reactor. The test includes the first time that most of the reactor's systems experience the operational temperature and pressure. It is also the first time that the turbine is spun at its maximum speed, demonstrating its readiness to operate once the reactor starts up for normal operations.
During the HFT, components were checked for thermal expansion, vibration and wear. The results demonstrate that all systems perform in accordance with the highest quality and safety standards under normal operating conditions.
SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES