First Overseas Hualong One Succeeds in HFT

The Karachi K2 generator unit in Pakistan, which is China's first overseas Hualong One reactor, completed hot firing testing (HFT) on Sept 4, laying a solid foundation for future progress.

HFT is a major part of a nuclear power project as it completely examines the coolant system of the reactor, including sealing of the pipelines and quality of welding, design, manufacturing and installation before fuel is loaded.

The testing was conducted by simulating real operation of the nuclear power plant to verify reliability of main equipment and system operations in a thermal state.

The first overseas Hualong One project was contracted by China Zhongyuan Engineering Corp., a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation.

The company has highly valued safe production and high-quality construction while ensuring COVID-19 prevention and control since early 2020. It also worked together with the Pakistani buyer and provided training for local operators to guarantee project advances.

A business card of China's nuclear power industry and a result of the country's innovation in the field, Hualong One is one of the third generation nuclear power models most accepted in the industry.

So far, there are six Hualong One nuclear power generator units under construction in the world.

The outer dome of the K3 generator unit's containment of one such unit was hoisted on Aug 31 and its main structural engineering is now completed.

A view of the Karachi K2 nuclear power plant in Pakistan [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)