As previously reported, the pre-commissioning activities, individual and integrated tests of equipment and technological systems of the New Safe Confinement (NSC) are in progress at the ChNPP industrial site.
JV NOVARKA and SSE ChNPP personnel have recently performed the integrated testing of the NSC radiation monitoring system, power supply system under the “complete blackout” scenario and fire protection system, during which emergency situations were simulated and response of separate systems was checked. Prior to start of the final stage of integrated testing of the entire complex of NSC (Commissioning Stage No.1), it is necessary in a similar manner to complete the integrated testing of some more technological systems. During “trial” operation within 72 hours almost all equipment and all systems will be involved in operation under the design conditions. The trial operation will be carried out by SSE ChNPP personnel under the control of the contracting company, i.e. JV NOVARKA.
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For completion of other necessary tests and creation of permissible microclimatic conditions in line with a level of readiness of the NSC technological systems, a part of them, such as systems of power supply, lighting, communication and notification, fire protection, heating, ventilation and air conditioning; radiation monitoring system, integrated control system and some other systems remain in the operational mode as envisaged by the building standards and rules.
To support the operational mode, JV NOVARKA and SSE ChNPP established a joint operational team comprising representatives of the Contractor and main technological divisions of SSE ChNPP (NSC(Shelter Object) Operation Shop, Electrical Shop, Thermal Automatics and Measurement Shop, Radiation Safety Shop) with schedule of work by day-night shifts.
The main task of personnel of this joint operational team is operation of the NSC equipment and systems which have been put into operational conditions, participation in tests, as well as routine switching for provision of these tests for the period from 04 February 2019 till the final handover-acceptance of the facility from the Contractor to the Client. The participation of the SSE ChNPP personnel in the stage of maintaining the NSC operational mode is basically a period of probation (training on a working place) that will help to form the necessary qualification level and develop practical skills before the trial operation and in what follows prior to the NSC operation.