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Nuclear battle to fix reactor in Australia | TECHNOLOGY | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz

Nuclear battle to fix reactor
tvnz news Oct 9, 2008 “……………………..
In reality, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is scrambling to get the reactor operating in time for its anticipated commissioning at the end of the year……………………………….

Shutdowns of the reactor have been caused by the displacement of fuel plates in the reactor core – an issue rectified by redesigned componentry approved by independent regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

However, leaks that allow ordinary water to dilute molecularly altered heavy water around the reactor have not yet been fixed, despite being identified soon after the unit’s installation…………………….

The reactor requires about 10,000 litres of heavy water, which equates to about two full domestic water tanks.

The heavy water became radioactive and after use was stored for “some time” at the Lucas Heights site before being shipped back to its overseas manufacturer, Dr Storr said.

The Australian Greens are concerned about what will happen when ANSTO runs out of space to store the heavy water waste at Lucas Heights and they want the reactor shut down.

“We think the safest solution for this reactor is for it to be shut down and for the waste to be contained properly,” Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said late last month.

It is a proposition given little consideration by Dr Switkowski.

Nuclear battle to fix reactor in Australia | TECHNOLOGY | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz

Tags: nuclear, antinuclear, radioactive, uranium

October 10, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety