Reactor head nozzle modifications complete


Protective Relay Training - Basic

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$699
Coupon Price:
$599
Reserve Your Seat Today
Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station officials told the Nuclear Regulatory Commission during a public meeting last night in Port Clinton, Ohio, that modifications to the reactor head control rod drive mechanism nozzles are complete and the plant will be ready to return to safe and reliable operations in July.

Modifications of 24 of the 69 nozzles having small cracks were completed during the past two months using industry-proven methods, including robotic welding. The flaws were identified during a comprehensive inspection of the reactor head as part of a scheduled refueling outage that began February 28.

Davis-Besse has been operating safely and reliably since 2004 with an unused, replacement reactor head obtained from a cancelled Midland, Michigan, plant.

An extensive investigation by Davis-Besse plant engineers indicated that elevated reactor head temperatures accelerated the cracking of the nozzle material. This material is known industry-wide to be more susceptible to stress cracking. To impede future nozzle cracking, plant operators will lower the temperature of the reactor core by reconfiguring the fuel assemblies and shorten the next operating cycle.

During the planned 2012 outage, the nozzles will undergo more intensive inspections and testing. A new reactor head, with nozzles made of a different alloy that is less susceptible to cracking, will be installed in 2014.

"Our successful modifications, along with a revised operations plan to minimize stress cracking on these nozzles, will support the continued safe and reliable operation of the plant," said Barry Allen, Davis-Besse site vice president.

Work activities scheduled to be completed before restart include: reassembly of the reactor head components, reload fuel assemblies and other restart readiness testing.

The NRC Special Inspection Team continues to monitor activities related to the nozzle modifications.

Related News

Almost 500-mile-long lightning bolt crossed three US states

Longest Lightning Flash Record confirmed by WMO: a 477.2-mile megaflash spanning Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas,…
View more

Ukraine Boosts Electricity Imports From Europe as Grid Faces War Strain

Ukraine has increased electricity imports from Europe to stabilize its energy system after Russian strikes…
View more

Coal, Business Interests Support EPA in Legal Challenge to Affordable Clean Energy Rule

Affordable Clean Energy Rule Lawsuit pits EPA and coal industry allies against health groups over…
View more

There's a Russia-Sized Mystery in China's Electricity Sector

China Power Demand-Emissions Gap highlights surging grid demand outpacing renewables, with coal filling shortages despite…
View more

What 2018 Grid Edge Trends Reveal About 2019

2019 Grid Edge Trends highlight evolving demand response, DER orchestration, real-time operations, AMI data, and…
View more

$453M Manitoba Hydro line to Minnesota could face delay after energy board recommendation

Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project faces NEB certificate review, with public hearings, Indigenous consultation, and cross-border approval…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.