The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced that it approved the criticality of Hanbit Unit 6, which underwent a regular inspection starting July 11, on the 27th. Criticality refers to the state in a reactor where the nuclear fission chain reaction continues steadily, with the number of neutrons produced equal to the number of neutrons lost, resulting in a neutron population equilibrium.
During this regular inspection, the NSSC conducted tests on 86 out of 96 items that must be completed before criticality and confirmed that the reactor can safely achieve criticality going forward.
The NSSC also inspected safety-related equipment and piping conditions, fire protection status in fuel oil storage areas, and the integrity of equipment cooling water heat exchangers during the inspection period, confirming compliance with relevant technical standards. The NSSC stated that the reactor head was properly replaced as reviewed and approved, and the anchor structures of the intake facilities for the equipment cooling seawater system were appropriately reconstructed.
The NSSC plans to finalize safety confirmation through follow-up tests (10 items), including the reactor power ascension test. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Hanbit Nuclear Power Headquarters had suspended the operation of Hanbit Unit 6 from July 11 for preventive maintenance.
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