Rolls-Royce announced it has been awarded a multi-million euros contract by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to provide the Neutron Flux Monitoring System for two new Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors at Zhangzhou in Fujian province.
Under the contract, Rolls-Royce will provide a complete system using the Spinline® digital technology, including ex-core neutron detectors, cables and connections and associated electronic systems, to Zhangzhou 1&2.
Construction of Zhangzhou 1 started in October 2019. The first steel lining module for unit 1 of was successfully lifted into place in March 2020, followed by the second in June, according CNNC, which is building the project.
Rolls-Royce said the Neutron Flux Monitoring Systems will be designed, manufactured and tested by its I&C teams based in Grenoble, France. Installation and commissioning will be performed by CNNC, under the supervision of Rolls-Royce I&C teams.
The Neutron Flux Monitoring System is a key system for the safety and availability of nuclear reactors.It measures the neutron flux of the reactor, and thus continuously and instantly monitors its power, the fluctuations of that power, as well as its axial and radial distribution within the reactor.
“For more than 25 years, we have been collaborating with CNNC in China. We are delighted to have signed this new contract, which is further proof of the confidence that CNNC places in our I&C technologies and in our people,” said Stéphane Lessi, Rolls-Royce Civil Nuclear France, Business Unit Director.
To date Rolls-Royce has more than 130 Neutron Flux Monitoring Systems installed or chosen for nuclear reactors worldwide, including 42 systems in China.
Rolls-Royce is to supply Neutron Flux Monitoring Systems to Zhangzhou in China (Credit: Rolls-Royce)
