Hydraulic testing at Kalinin 4
11 July 2011
Russia's Kalinin 4 has moved a step nearer to startup with the commencement of hydraulic testing of the primary circuit of the VVER-1000 unit. Dummy fuel was loaded into the unit in May. The hydraulic tests will involve raising the pressure in the circuit to its maximum level to enable its strength and integrity to be verified. The circulation system will also be flushed through to ensure the system is clean before reactor fuel is loaded. Tests will also be carried out to confirm the availability of related equipment including electrical devices and the automated process control system. The unit is scheduled to start up in September 2011.