On Monday (June, 25) turbo generators No 3 and 4 at the Kursk NPP were shut down as a result of operation of turbo generator's automatic safety shutdown system.

According to the Kursk NPP's Information Center, the radiation level is no higher than normal, and there are no violations of requirements for safe operation of the Kursk NPP units.

Alexander Uvakin, chief engineer of the Kursk NPP said that the shutdown of unit 2 had no consequences for safe operation of NPP.

"Radioactive emissions and releases from the Kursk NPP are below the admissible levels. Gamma-irradiation indices in the area of the Kursk NPP also doesn't exceed the values of radiation background proper to European part of Russia", - Uvakin said.

Special commission was established to investigate the causes of operation of turbo generator's automatic safety shutdown system, including experts of the Kursk NPP maintenance service, Russia's federal inspectorate for nuclear and radiation safety chaired by deputy head of "Rosenergoatom", director of the Kursk NPP Yury Slepokon.

According to preliminary conclusion of this commission, the second unit of the Kursk NPP can be stopped due to damage in gasket of valve of turbo-generator No. 4.

SOURCE: AtomInfo.Ru

DATE: June 28, 2007

Topics: NPP, Russia, Kursk NPP, Safety