Key words: AP1000, reactor vessel, Haiyang unit 1, Shandong

The reactor pressure vessel for Haiyang unit 1 has been successfully hoisted into place, China's State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) has announced.

The 283 tonne South Korean-made component arrived at the Haiyang site in Shandong province in November 2011. The precision operation to lift the vessel into its place inside the reactor containment was successfully completed in less than three hours on 17 January. Installation of the pressure vessel is a major milestone in the construction process of the reactor, which is scheduled to enter service in 2014.

Haiyang 1 is the second Westinghouse-designed AP1000 reactor under construction in China, following Sanmen 1. SNPTC has a major role in the transfer of knowledge and technology from the plant supplier, Westinghouse. Second AP1000 units are under construction at each site, with third and fourth units planned.

Source: http://www.world-nuclear-news.org