Typhoon Maysak Impact Equipment Replacement and Salt Removal
Shin-Kori Units 1 and 2 Allowed to Restart on the 29th
[Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced on the 28th that it has approved the restart (criticality) of Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2, which is undergoing a regular inspection.
The NSSC judged that the reactor operation is possible after inspecting 89 items at the plant since February 17.
During the regular inspection period, a visual inspection of the reactor lower head confirmed boric acid precipitation at one penetration pipe, which was repaired by replacing the penetration pipe and welds with corrosion-resistant materials.
The material and welding method of the auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation pipe, which had previous damage, were changed and repaired, and one containment pressure gauge installed in a non-controlled area was relocated to a controlled area.
Non-destructive testing of the steam generator tubes met the relevant standards, and two foreign substances detected by foreign material inspection equipment were removed.
Additionally, the instrument transformer and support insulator damaged by Typhoon Maysak were replaced, and salt deposits were removed.
The NSSC plans to convert the exposed transformer at Kori Unit 2 into a sealed facility to prevent the 'flashover' phenomenon, where sparks momentarily occur due to salt accumulation.
Flashover refers to a phenomenon where electricity momentarily arcs, producing sparks.
Operational measures such as power reduction and preventive shutdown will be prepared in case of natural disasters like typhoons.
The NSSC will complete the inspection after conducting seven follow-up tests, including a power increase test.
The reactors of Shin-Kori Units 1 and 2, which were shut down due to Typhoon Maysak, will be allowed to restart from the 29th.
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