Netherlands reactor to achieve first full power day Sept. 9

High Flux Reactor in Petten, the Netherlands. Image source: NRG.

The repair of the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten, the Netherlands, is proceeding well and the reactor is expected to achieve the first HFR Full Power Day (45 MW) on Sept. 9, according to the Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG) of the Netherlands.

The HFR was taken out of service and the first activities to repair the reactor’s cooling water pipework were started Feb. 19.

The reassembly of the reactor components is now almost completed and the rebuilding of the subpile room facilities is progressing according to plan and the control rod drive systems will be put back in place, said NRG.

The reconstruction of the reactor parts requires a great deal of precision. Everything needs to be brought into position with millimeter accuracy. “The reassembly of the control mechanisms after a routine maintenance is normal for us,” explained Wilko Wijkenga, the head of mechanical service on the project. “However, it is the first time that we have reinstalled all six drive mechanisms at one time. Everything is proceeding according to plan and we expect to complete the reconstruction and make the final adjustments by the end of this week.”

There have been no safety incidents during the repair period and the radiation dose levels for internal and external employees have remained well below the planned limits, added NRG.