Painting of the inside of the cooling tower at unit 1 of Russia’s Kursk-II NPP, which began in September 2023 and has now been completed. Inside, the coating serves as additional protection for hydrophobic concrete from excessive moisture and has a uniform light colour.
In April, specialists began painting the exterior of the two cooling towers involving 25 climbers and five employees, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of building materials. Coverage is necessary for several reasons. Firstly, the paint coating protects structures from natural influences, increases resistance to mould and microorganisms, and increases resistance to temperature changes.
Secondly, the paint acts as a special marking for aircraft, in line with aviation security requirements. This is due to the height of the facilities – the cooling towers of the Kursk NPP-2 are the highest in Russia – 179 metres each. A red-white combination of colour is traditionally used.
“The work is progressing in stages. First, the climbers carried out special preparation of the base – hydraulic blasting. Now, using a sprayer, they apply the primer vertically – from top to bottom. After it has completely dried, two layers of painting will begin. For all the work, specialists will need 29 tonnes of primer and 89 tonnes of paint,” said Andrey Osharin, First Deputy Director for the Construction of the New Units.
Kursk-II will replace the currently operating Kursk NPP, which comprises four ageing RBMK reactors (two of which is already closed). Units 1&2, currently under construction, will have VVER-TOI reactors – a development of the VVER-1200 reactor design.
Image courtesy of Rosatom
