AECL: Chalk River reactor repairs on schedule
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) said Chalk River Laboratories has completed a phase II non-destructive examination (NDE) data analysis of the Chalk River, Ontario-based National Research Universal (NRU) reactor, and that it is intended to return to service in the first quarter of 2010.
Phase IV NDE inspections are also complete and analysis of those data is underway, according to AECL. Further NDE inspections will be conducted to confirm the quality of the vessel repair on its completion.
Cleaning of all surface corrosion in the vessel must be completed prior to executing a weld build-up repair. To date, approximately 10 percent of the vessel circumference has been cleaned.
Also, AECL said that manufacturing of the repair tool is now complete, and qualification of the welding process by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority is ongoing.
Phase IV NDE inspections are also complete and analysis of those data is underway, according to AECL. Further NDE inspections will be conducted to confirm the quality of the vessel repair on its completion.
Cleaning of all surface corrosion in the vessel must be completed prior to executing a weld build-up repair. To date, approximately 10 percent of the vessel circumference has been cleaned.
Also, AECL said that manufacturing of the repair tool is now complete, and qualification of the welding process by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority is ongoing.