Chinese EPR: EDF says rational increase as rare gas in primary circuit

Paris | One of the EPR reactors at the Taishan nuclear power plant in southern China “increased the concentration of some rare gases in the primary circuit,” the French group EDF said.

EDF was informed of the increase in the concentration of some rare gases in the primary circuit of Reactor No. 1 of the Tyshan nuclear power plant, which is owned and operated by TNPJVC, a joint venture between CGN (70%) and EDF (30%). ”, Refers to the French group in a press release.

The primary circuit is a closed circuit containing pressurized water that heats up in the role of a reactor in contact with fuel elements.

The so-called “rare” gases include argon, helium, krypton, neon, or xenon.

“A phenomenon known for the presence of some rare gases in the primary circuit has been studied and enacted by the operating mechanisms of the reactors,” the EDF adds.

CNN reported, based on a letter from Framatom to the US Department of Energy, that a “leak” was possible at the plant, which has two EPR reactors of French technology.

Still, according to the American Channel, Chinese security officials have increased the acceptable limits of radiation outside the site to prevent the plant from shutting down.

EDF said it had approached the TNPJVC joint venture and “brings its expertise”.

The French group “requested that TPNJVC have an exceptional board of directors so that management can provide all the data and necessary decisions”.