Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant completes second unit pipeline welding

Construction of Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, has reached a new milestone. Akkuyu Nükleer A.Ş. announced that welding work on the main circulation pipeline for the second power unit has been completed.

The pipeline, which connects the reactor, steam generators, and main circulation pumps to form the unit's primary circuit, was completed over a 73-day period. The process involved welding 32 connection points and included high-temperature heat treatment to relieve internal metal stress and ensure performance specifications. To prevent corrosion, a special welding coating was applied to the internal surfaces of the connections.

Following the technical procedures, the quality of the welded joints was verified using various methods, including ultrasonic, capillary, and radiographic inspections. Sergei Butckikh, General Manager of Akkuyu Nükleer A.Ş., stated that the completion of the main circulation pipeline welding is one of the most important operations in the construction of a power unit.