Hunterston B NPP

The construction of the Hunterston B nuclear power plant was carried out by the Consortium Nuclear Energy Group (TNPG). Two advanced AGR gas-cooled reactors were built by TNPG, and turbines were installed by Parsons & Co. Hunterston NPP began electricity production on February 6, 1976. Its net electric power was 1215 MW. In 2007, the reactor capacity was reduced by 30%. The main problem of operation of the Hunterston B NPP for both reactors, at the moment, is the problems (cracks) of graphite masonry ^[1] . Operation should last until 2023.

On December 3, 1977, The Times reported that seawater entered the reactor through secondary cooling systems. A secondary cooling system uses fresh water to cool various elements, including a gas circulation system that transfers carbon dioxide CO ₂ coolant through a boiler reactor. There was a slight leak of CO ₂ through the seals, and a bypass line was installed to remove water. When the reactor was serviced and the pressure in the gas cooling system was lowered, seawater could flow back through this bypass pipe. The residual heat in the reactor was such that sea water quickly evaporated, leaving salt deposits in the reactor around the gas plant. It was estimated that repair of the reactor could cost £ 14 million over the course of its operation during the year, and electricity tariffs should increase by 1-2%. Extensive modeling work has been performed at the Nuclear Energy Company (NPC). In the laboratory, it was determined where the salt could settle, and technicians using a vacuum cleaner could remove it to return the unit to work.

• Hunterston B Power Station.