The Ascó-Vandellós II Nuclear Association (ANAV) has invested 27.5 million euros in this technical outage, during which approximately 1,000 additional workers were employed, more than half of whom reside in the vicinity of the plant.
Among the most significant tasks carried out during the outage is the replacement of 60 out of the 157 elements that make up the reactor core. The motor of the reactor coolant pump (BRR) ‘B’ was also replaced, the seals of the BRR ‘C’ were inspected, and the steam generators were cleaned using the sludge lancing technique. Detailed inspections were performed on the secondary circuit of the steam generators and the reactor vessel components.
According to ANAV, the containment spray system test was conducted, an activity performed every decade in line with technical specifications and international operational experience. Additionally, the diesel generator motors ‘A’ and ‘B’ were reviewed, and a major overhaul of the secondary circuit's high-pressure turbine, including the replacement of 16 blades, was completed.
In total, over 11,000 work orders were managed, and 21 physical design modifications and 7 software modifications were implemented. These actions aim to ensure the plant's maximum safety and reliability for the new operating cycle. The next scheduled fuel reload outage is set for November, when CN Ascó II will undergo its 30th reload.
