javadave said:http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/27633540/detail.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Does anybody have any further information on current status of this reactor in GA?
NUCENG said:[URL]http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/event-status/event/2011/20110421en.html
Power Reactor Event Number: 46772
Facility: VOGTLE
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: BILL DUNN
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ Notification Date: 04/20/2011
Notification Time: 20:45 [ET]
Event Date: 04/20/2011
Event Time: 17:34 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/20/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
Person (Organization):
JONATHAN BARTLEY (R2DO)
Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 A/R Y 100 Power Operation 0 Hot Standby
Event Text
AUTOMATIC REACTOR TRIP
"At 1734 EDT, [Vogtle] unit one automatically tripped from 100% power. No significant activities were in progress that should have challenged the Reactor Protection System. All control rods fully inserted. AFW system actuated as expected on S/G Lo-Lo-Level and AMSAC [ATWS Mitigation System Actuation]. System responses allowed for an uncomplicated reactor trip response. Plant is stable and will remain in Mode 3 during cause investigation.
"Cause of the reactor trip is under investigation."
The plant is in its normal shutdown electrical lineup. Decay heat is being sent to the main condenser through the turbine bypass valves. The steam generators are being fed from auxiliary feedwater. There was no effect on unit two.
The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
More or less. It could be a spurious trip.javadave said:Thanks! So would this be considered a level 0 on INES?
Astronuc said:More or less. It could be a spurious trip.
The plant shutdown as intended, and the decay heat is being removed as expected.
They will perform a root cause investigation of the trip. Standard operating procedure.
tin whiskers: hurray for ROHS... on nuclear power plant equipment.QuantumPion said:There are a number of possible things that can cause a spurious trip. E.g. lightning strikes, tin whiskers, who knows.
javadave said:Thanks Astronuc!
The shutdown was caused by a mechanical failure in the reactor's cooling system. This failure triggered a safety mechanism that automatically shut down the reactor.
No, there was no danger to the surrounding area or public during the shutdown. The safety systems in place are designed to prevent any harm to the public in the event of a reactor shutdown.
The length of the shutdown depends on the extent of the mechanical failure and how quickly it can be repaired. It could range from a few days to several weeks.
Potential consequences of a nuclear reactor shutdown include loss of power generation and potential financial losses for the power company. However, safety protocols and backup systems are in place to prevent any major consequences.
In general, nuclear reactors are designed to operate safely and without any significant issues. However, unexpected shutdowns can occur due to mechanical failures or other malfunctions. The frequency of these shutdowns varies and is closely monitored and regulated by government agencies.