OL3 Reactor Pressure Vessel Arrived in Olkiluoto

4.1.2009

One of the main components of OL3 reactor unit, the reactor pressure vessel, has arrived in Olkiluoto on 4.1.2009. The most essential part of a nuclear reactor, the uranium core, will be placed inside the pressure vessel. The total weight of the reactor pressure vessel (with vessel head) is 526 tons.

The OL3 reactor pressure vessel was manufactured at Japan Steel Works and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. Manufacturing began in October 2003. TVO's local inspector has supervised the manufacturing. The Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) also performed inspections on site during the manufacturing. The pressure test of the finished component was carried out successfully in October 2008. Sea transport to Finland began late-October and arrived at Rauma Harbour on 3.1.2009 continuing to Olkiluoto the following day. 

The reactor pressure vessel will be stored at the OL3 construction site until the construction of the reactor building is finished and the main crane of the building is installed. The pressure vessel will be lifted to its place through the equipment hatch.

Both the pressure vessel and the vessel head are made of forged ferrite steel and lined with a stainless steel cladding to prevent corrosion. The total weight of the reactor pressure vessel including the vessel head is 526 tons.

For more information, please contact:
Mr Jouni Silvennoinen, Senior Vice President, Project,
tel. +358 2 8381 4100
Mrs Käthe Sarparanta, Communications Manager OL3, Project,
tel. +358 500 723 656.