Framatome recently signed two contracts to upgrade systems and equipment used to manage operations at the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant in Slovenia. The company will design, deliver and install new instrumentation and control (I and C) systems and replace the thimble tubes, which are an important part of the plant's in-core neutron flux measurement system.
"For our work with the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant, our team brings a unique focus on our customer's need to modernize the plant and extensive engineering capabilities in various I and C systems and reactor designs," said Frederic Lelievre, senior executive vice president, Sales, Regional Platforms and the I and C Business Unit at Framatome. "These new projects illustrate our commitment to supporting our customers as they generate reliable, low-carbon electricity."
Framatome's team will replace the plant's existing I and C system that is part of the anticipated transient without scram mitigation system actuation circuitry (AMSAC) cabinets. The AMSAC system provides backup to the primary protection system responsible for tripping the turbine and initiating auxiliary feedwater flow. It was developed to prevent excessive reactor coolant system pressure after an anticipated transient without scram (ATWS) event.
Framatome will also design, supply and replace 36 thimble tubes, including thimble tubes with a new nitriding surface hardening process designed for increased longevity, and complete a study on tube wear behavior.
"Framatome has worked on more than 380 reactors of all technological designs worldwide," said Catherine Cornand, senior executive vice president, Installed Base Business Unit at Framatome. "With this unprecedented experience, our high-performing teams respond to our customers' needs by designing and providing innovative, robust solutions for long term plant operations."
The company will complete these upgrades during the plant's outage in autumn 2022.
Operated by Nuklerana elektrarna Krsko, the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant is located in southeast Slovenia. Its pressurized water reactor began commercial operation in 1983.
