Project Details

  • Client: Eletronuclear
  • Services: Construction Management, Nuclear Power Generation, Project Integrator, Specialty Coating & FRP Contractor​, Specialty Products, Materials & Equipment Procurement Services
  • Industry type: Nuclear Power Generation
  • Location: Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

About Project & Services

Angra Nuclear Power Plant, units 1 & 2, are located at the Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA) complex on the Itaorna Beach in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Angra 2 has a net output of 1,275 Mwe, and it was first connected to the power grid in 2000 (Fig. 1).

On June 26th, 2013, MADERO performed a turnkey coating application job for corrosion protection to a Bypass Gate Valve that belonged to the Circulating Water System for Main Condenser Cooling at Angra 2 (Fig. 2). MADERO applied its exclusive Warren Epoxy Single Coat & Rapid Cure, Military Grade, U.S. Navy and American Bureau of Shipping certified. A black color top paint was applied over our epoxy due to Plant’s Piping Sys. color requirements.

The coated bypass gate valve is located adjacent to six travelling trash rack equipment (fig. 3), which is used for removing debris and solids from Atlantic Ocean seawater used for cooling the main condenser. The valve is also susceptible to the ultra violet rays from the sun, because it is located on an open environment and without any protection from the harsh environmental conditions. The travelling trash rack equipment has a spray system for cleaning the travelling racks. Part of this high salt content spray water escapes to the environment, and creates an extremely humid and corrosive environment for the adjacent bypass gate valves, fig 3.

On Jan. 24th, 2018, MADERO and Eletrobras performed a five (5) year Engineering Condition Assessment inspection of the coated Bypass Gate Valve. After 5 years of operating under extreme corrosive marine environment, Eletrobras stated that MADEROs epoxy coat was found in excellent condition and it provided outstanding corrosion protection.

It is important to note that Elinelton Pereira da Silva, Angra Coating Supervisor, witnessed the Epoxy Ultra+® coating application back in 2013, and also participated during the current condition assessment inspection activity with Engr. Frank Madero, and Engr. Guilherme Henrique dos S. Andrade from Eletrobras. Testimonial letter was written by Supervisor Elinelton Pereira to document the excellent  as-found condition and unrivaled world class performance.