Rosenergoatom Completes Deployment of Domestic Water Chemistry Control System
Rosenergoatom has completed the rollout of the Tsentr khimicheskoy podderzhki AES (NPP Chemical Support Center system) across all 11 operating nuclear power plants in Russia.
The system operates across all reactor types, including VVER, RBMK and fast neutron reactors, establishing a unified approach to water chemistry control throughout the country’s nuclear fleet.
Water as a Factor of Safety
Maintaining water chemistry conditions is a critical component of safe nuclear power plant operation. Water in reactor systems performs multiple functions, it cools the reactor core, transfers heat to turbines and, in certain reactor designs, moderates neutrons to sustain the chain reaction. Even minor deviations in coolant chemistry can lead to equipment corrosion, deposit formation on heat transfer surfaces or changes in the radiation environment within the circuit.
Previously, these parameters were monitored using calculation tools built on office software. Laboratory staff manually entered data from analyzers, compiled reports and passed information to engineers. This approach required significant time and introduced the risk of human error when handling large data sets.
A New Control Architecture
The Tsentr khimicheskoy podderzhki AES system automates the processing of water chemistry data. It collects inputs from thousands of sensors distributed across plant systems, structures the data and applies advanced analytical algorithms. Engineers receive actionable outputs, including forecasts of parameter changes, early detection of anomalies and recommendations for adjusting operating conditions.
A key feature is integration with NppExperience, an industry-wide platform that serves as a centralized repository of operational experience from all Russian nuclear plants. Water chemistry data is automatically transferred into this system, forming a cumulative knowledge base. If a non-standard situation occurs at one plant, the information becomes immediately available to specialists at other sites, helping prevent similar events.
From Substitution to Development
The project goes beyond replacing foreign software with a domestic equivalent. A new system has been developed with a modern interface and designed to meet stringent information security requirements. The objective was not only import substitution but also the expansion of functionality compared to the previous calculation tools.
The system enables real-time monitoring and also supports predictive modeling of coolant behavior under varying operating conditions, including changes in reactor load, seasonal temperature fluctuations and scheduled maintenance. This provides additional lead time for corrective actions and reduces the risk of operational disruptions.
Technical Support and Operation
The system has been transferred to technical support under AO “KONSIST-OS”, Rosenergoatom’s internal IT integrator and competence center. This ensures continuous support and allows further development based on feedback from plant engineers.
The rollout of Tsentr khimicheskoy podderzhki AES marks an important milestone in the digital transformation of Russia’s nuclear sector. The approach to process control is shifting toward a predictive, data-driven model that reduces dependence on external technology providers.
