AECL provides update on NRU activities
CHALK RIVER, ON, April 28 /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).
AECL reports that 71 per cent of the weld repairs and associated Non-Destructive Examinations (NDE) have been completed. The repair phase of the project began on December 12, 2009 and to date nine of ten sites have been repaired.
Development work continues on the detailed weld procedures for the final repair site. Activities remain focused on the final development stage and are nearing completion. Welder qualification and reliability training for the final repair site have been initiated.
In preparation of the final repair, in-vessel testing of the repair tools was conducted. This testing provided an opportunity to confirm tool performance and make minor adjustments to the tooling. Results from these tests will benefit integration testing prior to conducting the final repair.
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
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