Extensive Testing Programme to be Followed by First Installation
Nuclebrás Equipamentos Pesados SA (NUCLEP) has been contracted to manufacture the prototype nuclear reactor for the Brazilian submarine programme. The company will be responsible for construction, assembly and supply of the internal containment structures of the reactor and the primary protection tank. The structures are part of the so-called Block 40, consisting of the Laboratory for the Generation of Nuclear Power (Labgene), the land-based prototype of the nuclear reactor and propulsion systems. The systems will be installed in the future Brazilian nuclear submarine (SN-BR).
Labgene is expected to conduct tests on turbo generators, electric motors and various systems under controlled conditions to evaluate their performance. These tests seek to validate satisfactory operation of the reactor and integrated electromechanical systems. With the completion of testing, a similar reactor will be installed in the ALVARO ALBERTO, a procedure that will be carried out at the Itaguaí Naval Complex, Rio de Janeiro. It is important to highlight that the conventional submarines of the PROSUB program are already being built at the facilities: RIACHUELO (S-40), HUMAITA (S-41), TONELERO (S-42) and ANGOSTURA (S-43).
Santiago Rivas and Florencia Lucero Heguy in Buenos Aires for MON