AECL provides update on NRU activities

subscribe

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) provides the following status report on the unplanned shutdown of the NRU reactor at its Chalk River Laboratories.

AECL reports that removal of the last NRU fuel rod was successfully completed June 15. Removal of the remaining 15 control, adjuster and cobalt-60 isotope rods has begun. Seven of these assemblies were removed from the reactor as of June 16.

Completion of rod removal and the subsequent removal of heavy water from the reactor is expected to be complete by the end of this month. Final preparations are underway to conduct a detailed inspection of the condition of the reactor vessel using remote non-destructive examination techniques. This task will be performed as soon as the remaining rods and heavy water have been removed.

AECL is drawing on advice provided by its technical staff and industry experts to determine the most effective options for vessel repairs. AECL continues to work with industry experts on cleaning, inspection and repair techniques for the reactor vessel. Earlier this week, AECL was provided with a demonstration of a potential repair technique from a supplier company. Evaluation of this and other inspection, cleaning and repair options continues.

A full-scale mock-up of a portion of the NRU vessel is currently being constructed at Chalk River. This mock-up will serve to provide on-site testing and training of vessel inspection and repair work.

The NRU heavy water leak rate has been reduced to a flow of between 3-4 kg/hr. A small portion of the leakage evaporates and results in a monitored airborne tritium release through the NRU reactor ventilation system. While this airborne tritium release remains about 1/1,000 of the regulatory limit, the action level for tritium release to the atmosphere was exceeded this week due to the leak.

AECL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event. AECL will continue to provide updates to the CNSC and stakeholders when new information becomes available.

Related News

Turkish powership to generate electricity from LNG in Senegal

ANKARA - Turkey's Karpowership company, the designer and builder of the world's first floating power plants and the global brand of Karadeniz Holding, will meet 15% of Senegal's electricity needs from liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the 235-megawatt (MW) powership Ayşegül Sultan, which started its voyage from Turkey to Senegal on Sunday.

Karpowership, operating 22 floating power plants in more than 10 countries around the world, has invested over $5 billion in this area.

In a statement to members of the press at Karmarine Shipyard, Karpowership Trade Group Chair Zeynep Harezi said they aimed to provide affordable electricity to countries in need…

READ MORE
florida power crews

Ontario sending 200 workers to help restore power in Florida

READ MORE

elon musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk slams Texas energy agency as unreliable: "not earning that R"

READ MORE

manitoba hydro building

Pandemic causes drop in electricity demand across the province: Manitoba Hydro

READ MORE

tesla electricity retailer

Tesla (TSLA) Wants to Become an Electricity Retailer

READ MORE