Objective
In the framework of the TACIS 1992 programme, the Commission agreed with the Russian authorities on technical assistance projects to be financed by the European Community in the field of nuclear safety.
This project was aimed at the improvement and modernisation of the welding work on small pipes which was performed at Kalinin NPP, mainly during shutdown periods. This work was made by manual means, which led to reduced quality of the welds and long duration of the intervention, which in turn resulted in large irradiation doses to the personnel and the need for an excessive number of welders.
For this reason it was decided to purchase modern automatic welding equipment as well as pipe cutting and bevelling machines.
Results
The equipment was purchased in 3 lots. Lots 1 and 2 were for welding equipment and cutting & bevelling machines respectively. The present contract was for Lot 3, which comprised the purchase of general welding accessories, including the following equipment:

• Welding helmets with fresh air supplies;
• Goggles;
• Electrode holders;
• Ground clamps;
• Welding cables;
• Pocket lamps;
• TIG torches;
• Inverters;
• Plasma cutting machine.

The contract was signed in July 1994 and the equipment was delivered in September 1994.