The first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has successfully completed a high-pressure test of its Pressure Operated Relief Valve (PORV/POSV) system at 16 megapascals (MPa), marking another step in the commissioning process.
The test was completed on the morning of September 30 after starting the previous night. It was conducted from both the plant’s Main Control Room (MCR) and Emergency Control Room (ECR).
During the test, engineers checked the functional performance of the control valves, including their response, opening and closing operations, alarms and associated process parameters. The performance of the related Main Safety Valves (MSVs) was also verified following the satisfactory operation of the control valves.
The testing was carried out in accordance with the approved procedure and under the required safety conditions. Communications, fire protection and radiation-safety arrangements were checked before and during the operation.
The PORV system is an important part of the reactor’s safety systems. It is designed to help control pressure in the reactor’s primary circuit and provide a means of pressure relief when required.
The successful completion of the 16 MPa test represents a further stage in the commissioning of Rooppur Unit 1, which is being developed at Rooppur in Pabna district with Russian technology and financing.
The commissioning team is expected to conduct the next phase of testing at a pressure of about 18 MPa shortly.
Plant officials said the commissioning programme was proceeding step by step, with each stage subject to verification before the next operation begins.
“Safety remains the highest priority throughout the commissioning process,” the project said, stressing that tests are undertaken only after the necessary preparations, approvals, briefings and safety conditions have been completed.
The project authorities also said safety requirements would not be compromised to meet the commissioning schedule.