Four reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) for the world’s first AP1000 reactor—Unit 1 of Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) successfully reached 100% rotating speed at 8:21 p.m. on September 12, 2016 and continuously operated for five hours. The vibration of main pumps, the temperature of stators and that of water for bearings all fell in a normal range under full-speed status.

    At present, the hot functional test (HFT) for Sanmen Unit 1 is undergoing tests at normal operating pressure and    temperature (NOP / NOT, 15.41 MPa / 291.67 °C). The primary circuit was filled halfway with water on July 30, 2016 before test items were conducted during the first temperature rise at ambient temperature, 121 °C, 176.7 °C, 232 °C and 274 °C successively with the test result conforming to the acceptance criteria. A complete HFT has to undergo temperature rise and drop twice. The test will continue with temperature drop and rise tests, non-nuclear steam run-up tests and fist reactor tests.

    The HFT is not only a comprehensive drill before fuel load, which verifies operating procedures and helps operating personnel gain experience, but also a test to the cooperation and coordination of all teams involved in the construction. Prior to and during the HFT, the project owner, State Nuclear Power Engineering Corp. Ltd., SMNPC Joint Commissioning Team, Sanmen Site Project Management Organization (SPMO) and relevant construction and installation subcontractors were available 24/7 to push ahead the HFT work.

    Sanmen Unit 1 RCPs’ reaching full speed paves the way for the HFT of Haiyang Unit 1 and subsequent HFT items of Sanmen NPP.