6TH REACTOR OF BULGARIA’S NPP KOZLODUY RESUMED OPERATION AFTER UPGRADE

6th reactor of Bulgaria’s NPP Kozloduy resumed operation successfully after the completion of the planned annual renovation and modernization, the press office of the NPP said on 28th of October.

The renovation was necessary in order to extend the lifetime of the reactor and to increase its heat capacity to 104%.

The reactor was put into operation after an inspection conducted by Bulgaria’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency.

During the shutdown period, which started on 5th of September, all the necessary repairs and maintenance of the equipment and the systems of the reactor were performed, including over 7,000 units of constructions and technological systems.

The reactor was recharged with fresh nuclear fuel for the next fuel campaign, the announcement says.

One of the measures aimed at extending the reactor’s lifespan was a unique operation for the replacement and installation of a new stator of the turbo-generator. The facility has a gross weight of 370 tonnes and is the heaviest single equipment in the nuclear plant. All activities related to the stator replacement were performed in accordance with the approved schedule.

The other 1000 megawatt reactor of Kozloduy, the 5th reactor, is operating at full capacity.