nuclear-news

Another mechanical problem at Pilgrim nuclear plant

Problems at Pilgrim nuclear plant continue, Cape Cod Times, By Christine Leger, 26 Mar 18 Incorrectly installed clamps must be fixed before reactor starts up again

PLYMOUTH — Another equipment snafu at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station was discovered on Sunday, this time in the critical safety system used to stop fission from occurring in the plant’s reactor during an emergency.

It marked the third mechanical problem at the 45-year-old beleaguered plant in as many weeks. The reactor is going into its fourth week of shutdown.

During a check on Sunday, a Pilgrim engineer found the support clamps for nine pipes that are part of the hydraulic control rod system appeared to be incorrectly installed.

The control rods are a key component in getting a reactor to shut down. They contain a powdered form of neutron-absorbing boron, slowing or stopping the fission process as the rods are inserted into the reactor core………http://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20180326/problems-at-pilgrim-nuclear-plant-continue

March 27, 2018 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general