The third layer of the inner protection container (IKK), which is one of the important elements of the security system, was installed on the 3rd unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NGS).
This layer serves to support the pipelines and the pole crane used to perform maintenance operations on the nuclear reactor during the operation phase of the power plant.
The inner protection vessel made of steel cladding and special concrete ensures that the reactor chamber is sealed. The third layer of IKK, a welded structure consisting of 24 sections, has a height of 12 meters and a total weight of 280 tons. During assembly, parts of the inner shell were brought together to form a single block with a diameter of 44 meters. The 5-hour installation was done using the world's strongest crawler crane and a specially designed cross beam to protect the structure during installation.
Sergey Butсkikh, First Deputy Director General and Director of Construction Works of Akkuyu NPP under construction, said about the completion of the works:
“We continue the construction of the interior protection, which is one of the most important elements of the reactor building. After the third layer was placed, the 3rd unit reached a height of 28,95 meters. We continue to assemble the second and third sections as well as the two sections of the inner shell, then we will move on to reinforcing and concreting the containment shell.”
The reactor buildings of Akkuyu NPP power units are equipped with double protection shells. The outer casing, which is constructed of reinforced concrete, is designed to withstand all kinds of extreme external effects such as earthquakes up to magnitude 9, tsunamis, hurricanes and their combinations. The interior protection is designed to eliminate the possibility of radioactive materials leaking into the environment.