The body of the core melt localisation device (melt trap) was installed in the design position under the reactor shaft of unit 4 at the Kudankulam NPP under construction in India, Rosatom announced on 9 April. “Installation of the melt trap in the design position is an important step in the construction of the unit,” said Vadim Khlivnenko, Deputy Director for Projects in India, Head of Rosatom Engineering Department’s Construction Department at the Kudankulam site. “This is a unique protection system for a nuclear power plant and the first large-sized equipment to be installed in a reactor building. The melt trap, developed by Russian nuclear scientists is one of the most important safety systems to protect against beyond design basis accidents. The device body weighs over 160 tons. A super heavy erection crane was used to install it.

Kudankulam is being built under a 1988 Russian-Indian agreement which was amended in 1998. The general contractor (in terms of detailed design, equipment supply and technical assistance) is Atomstroyexport, the general designer is Atomenergoproekt. Kudankulam is one of the largest nuclear power projects in India and is scheduled to have six Russian VVER-1000 reactors. Kudankulam 1 and 2 are in operation, units 3 and 4 are under construction and units 5 and 6 planned with preparatory works in progress.