NRU Status Report No. 52

AECL provides update on NRU activities

CHALK RIVER, ON, April 21 /CNW/ - The following information bulletin is in accordance with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).

The repair phase of the project began on December 12, 2009. AECL reports that non-destructive examination (NDE) of the most recent repair is nearing completion bringing the total per cent of repair and associated NDE completed to date to 69 per cent, up from the 65 per cent reported last week.

Development work continues on the detailed repair procedures for the final repair site. Weld development activities are currently focused on trial welds using a combination of welded plate and weld build-up repairs designed to reduce stress on the vessel.

Activities related to the start-up phase of the NRU Return to Service project continue in parallel to the current repair activities.

More information on the return-to-service of the NRU is available at NRUCanada.ca.

Guidance on the duration of the shutdown continues to be founded on the best evidence available, including the most up-to-date analysis of inspection data, progress on repair strategies and critical path requirements for restart after an extended shutdown. It is estimated that NRU will resume isotope production by the end of July. Further guidance on the return-to-service date will be provided when more information becomes available.

AECL is working diligently to return the NRU to service as quickly and safely as possible. Efforts are being driven by more than 300 highly qualified AECL staff and industry partners involved in the vessel repairs and return-to-service activities.

The CNSC safety inspectors continue to provide independent regulatory oversight of AECL activities at the Chalk River site.

There is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.

For further information: Dale Coffin, Director, Corporate Communications, AECL, 1-866-886-2325