[onderzoek in de reactor] [production of medical isotopes]
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Maintenance Stop High Flux Reactor Petten

Petten, 9 July 2009

The annual summer stop of the High Flux Reactor in Petten, during which regular preventative maintenance, testing and inspection is performed; is planned for the period 18 July to 18 August 2009 inclusive. As in 2006, 2007 and 2008, an inspection of the cooling water pipework will be part of the programme. The inspection concentrates upon the analysis of 4 locations in the pipework where localized deformations are known and where a small bubble stream was observed in 2008.

The Aluminium cooling water pipework which has a maximum pressure of 4 bar and a temperature of 40°C (similar to that of a household Central Heating Boiler) is set in concrete. This pipework is only accessible with special equipment during a reactor stop. The inspections will be performed with advanced techniques, including visual and ultrasonic tests. As is normal, the relevant authorities will supervise the whole inspection programme and will be present during the all of the inspection activities.

In order to ensure the long term availability of the High Flux Reactor as an important producer of medical isotopes and as a highly valued facility for nuclear research; NRG is obliged to repair the primary cooling water pipework soon. NRG regularly provides reports to the relevant authorities about the preparations for this repair. The repair will begin in early 2010 and will take around 22 – 26 weeks to perform. The precise planning will be finalized in consultation with the relevant authorities.

For further information please contact the NRG Press Spokesperson, Juliette van der Laan, telefoon +31 (0)224-564967 or mobile +31 (0)6-10148943, or email j.vanderlaan@nrg.eu.