At the Branch of JSC "Mechanical Engineering Division-technology" in Volgodonsk (part of the Rosatom engineering division - "Atomenergomash"), the plant's specialists completed a finishing weld connecting the two halves of the reactor. This is a key stage in the manufacture of the reactor pressure vessel for the first Unit of the "Rooppur" NPP in Bangladesh.

The operation lasted for 10 days with continuous heating of the weld zone - from 150 to 300 degrees. During this time, about two tons of flux and more than one and a half tons of wire with a diameter of 4 mm are used. After welding, the reactor pressure vessel weighing 320 tons is heated to 300 degrees and using a crane is transferred to the furnace, where the item will be heat treated for two days

The next stage is test operations. Specialists carry out the whole range of test measures in the weld zones:  Radiographic, ultrasonic and penetrant tests.  

The reactor is a first class safety item. It is a vertical cylindrical vessel with an elliptical bottom. The core and the internals are located inside the vessel. From above, the reactor is hermetically sealed by a cover with the drives of mechanisms and elements for regulating and protecting the reactors and nozzles for outputting the cables of the in-core monitoring sensors installed on it.

The "Rooppur" NPP is designed and constructed according to the Russian design. The design and construction of the facility is carried out by the Engineering Division of State Corporation “Rosatom”. The plant will consist of two power units with WWER-1200 reactors, the life cycle of which is 60 years with the possibility of extending the service life for another 20 years.