NFPA 70b Training - Electrical Maintenance
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
Kelley Beierschmitt, director of nuclear operations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, said the problem was not in a safety-related system. However, the electrical line did affect systems that control motor operations and maintain consistent power levels at the 85-megawatt research reactor, he said.
The problem was detected at about 9 p.m. June 21 when control room operators got a warning light indicating a relay failure, Beierschmitt said. A subsequent series of checks confirmed the problem, he said.
The electrical line was replaced over the weekend, and restart testing was being done today, Beierschmitt said. Lab officials have restarted the research reactor, he said.
Beierschmitt said the electrical line was at least 20 years old, and that probably was the reason for the failure. The laboratory is gradually replacing old parts and systems at the research reactor, which was built in the 1960s.
The unplanned shutdown occurred six days before the reactor's regular outage for refueling and maintenance, Beierschmitt said. So the plan is to operate it for the rest of this week to complete the regular fuel cycle and then take it down again for refueling, he said.
The problem shouldn't affect the reactor's rest-of-the-year schedule for research and isotope production, he said.
Related News
New Hampshire rejects Quebec-Massachusetts transmission proposal
Ireland and France will connect their electricity grids - here's how
Nuclear plant workers cite lack of precautions around virus
European responses to Covid-19 accelerate electricity system transition by a decade - Wartsila
Toshiba, Tohoku Electric Power and Iwatani start development of large H2 energy system
Opinion: Nuclear Beyond Electricity
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
- Timely insights from industry experts
- Practical solutions T&D engineers
- Free access to every issue