The core catcher has been installed at the Kudankulam-3 nuclear power plant under construction in Tamil Nadu, southern India, Atomstroyexport, the engineering division of Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom said.
The core catcher – also known as a core melt localisation device or core trap – is designed to catch the molten core material, or corium, of a nuclear reactor in the event of a nuclear meltdown and to prevent it from escaping the containment.
The core catcher – also known as a core melt localisation device or core trap – is designed to catch the molten core material, or corium, of a nuclear reactor in the event of a nuclear meltdown and to prevent it from escaping the containment.
Kudankulam 3’s core catcher is a new generation device, which is adapted to site conditions and safety requirements, Atomstroyexport said. It has improved seismic resistance, hydro-dynamic and shock strength and is equipped with increased flood protection.
Construction of the Generation III Kudankulam-3, a Russia-procured VVER- V-412, 917-MW pressurised water reactor, began in June 2017. Construction of a fourth unit began at Kudankulam in October 2017 and two more units are planned for the site.
Kudankulam-1 and -2, also both VVER V-412 units, have been in commercial operation since December 2014 and March 2017 respectively.
