AECL provides update on NRU activities
(September 9, 2009)
The following information bulletin is in accordance with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).
Data analysis continues on Phase II and III of the Non Destructive Examinations (NDE). Phase II included scans of the entire vessel circumference and Phase III included five vertical scans from the bottom to the top of the interior wall of the vessel. One additional vertical scan is planned.
Efforts remain focused on completing fabrication and assembly of the repair tooling. The first of several remote welding tools has been assembled and is undergoing testing. A team of AECL employees has relocated to the manufacturer’s facility to work with the vendor’s engineering and welding experts on tool development and train on the use of the tool.
Testing of the repair processes and tools will continue using the full height NRU mock-ups.
Guidance on the duration of the shutdown continues to be founded on the best evidence available, including the most up-to-date analysis of the inspection data, progress on repair strategies, and critical path requirements for restart after an extended shutdown. At this time, the application of the band weld build-up technique, and the number of identified repair sites, indicates the NRU will return to service during the first calendar quarter of 2010. Further guidance on a return to service date will be provided when more information becomes available.
Evidence collected to date continues to support AECL’s view that the necessary vessel repairs can be made and that NRU will be returned to service safely.
AECL continues to work closely with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and CNSC safety inspectors continue to provide independent regulatory oversight of AECL’s activities at the Chalk River Site.
There is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.
More information on the return to service of NRU is available at www.nrucanada.ca, including two new video status updates by AECL’s Gina Strati, Manager of Mechanical Equipment Development and Ian Muir, Manager of Reactor Chemistry and Corrosion. The videos provide insight on AECL’s innovative tool development activities and the science of corrosion analysis at the atomic level.