Ultrasonic inspection systems for Atucha 2

摘要

Nucleoelectrica Argentina S.A. (NA-SA) is currently in the process of completing the construction of the Atucha 2 pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) nuclear power plant in Buenos Aires. The particular design of the Atucha unit is completely unique to Argentina. The fission reaction is heavy-water cooled, and heavy-water moderated, but unlike the Canadian heavy-water reactor design occurs not in a horizontal calandria vessel, but in a vertical reactor pressure vessel. Hot heavy water coolant travels to one of two steam generators. There are also four moderator cooling loops. The reactor is fuelled by 451 natural uranium dioxide fuel assemblies mounted in tubes that enter the RPV through vessel head penetrations, and which are replaced online, from above.