The top head of the steel containment vessel was hoisted into place for the multipurpose small modular reactor demonstration project, known as Linglong One, in South China's island province of Hainan on Nov 3, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced. This marks the capping of the key structural component of the world's first small modular reactor, and signals commencement of the peak phase of internal installation.
The hoisting and installation of the top head completed the last step in creating an integrated steel containment vessel, providing a more comprehensive and reliable protective barrier for the previously introduced reactor core modules, internal components, and voltage regulators.
The top head of the steel containment vessel was hoisted into place for the small modular reactor demonstration project, known as Linglong One, in South China's island province of Hainan on Nov 3. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The Linglong One reactor building consists of three main components: the internal structure, the steel containment vessel, and an outer concrete shielding structure. The steel containment vessel is composed of four parts from bottom to top: the bottom head, lower cylinder, upper cylinder, and top head. Its shape is like an upright capsule that encloses the internal structure of the reactor building and plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and sealing of the reactor building.
Linglong One is a significant achievement in China's independent innovation in nuclear power, and follows the success of the Hualong One reactor.
To ensure the successful completion of this installation the project team coordinated multiple resources covering people, machinery, materials, methods, and the environment. They conducted a comprehensive analysis and implemented control measures for each aspect. With close attention to weather conditions, they successfully accomplished the task with high quality by rigorously ensuring safety and quality control.
The project Linglong One started construction in Hainan on July 13, 2021. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The project Linglong One started construction in Hainan on July 13, 2021, and was undertaken by China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd. under an EPC model. China Nuclear Industry 22nd Construction Co., Ltd. is responsible for civil construction, and China Nuclear Industry Fifth Construction Co., Ltd. handles the installation.
The project is the world's first onshore commercial multipurpose small modular pressurized water reactor under construction. Once operational, it is expected to generate approximately 1 billion kWh of electricity annually, meeting the power needs of 526,000 households in Hainan. Moreover, it is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 880,000 tons per year, equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees a year. It is of great significance to help meet China's dual carbon goals, advance nuclear power safety, foster independent innovation, and contribute to the development of Hainan free trade port and the national demonstration area for ecological progress.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
