Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) reports that loading of nonfuel components into the vessel of its National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Chalk River, Ontario, is now complete.
AECL currently is commissioning specialized start-up instrumentation, which is required to restart the reactor, which has been offline since May 2009.
While AECL noted that the activity is "taking more time to complete than originally planned," molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) targets and reactor fuel will be loaded as soon as this task is finished.
Despite the challenges, AECL stated in its latest update that its planned return-to-service date of the end of July to resume medical isotope productions is "achievable."
The NRU reactor produces approximately half of the Mo-99 supply for North America.
Related Reading
SNM: Long-term Mo-99 problems remain, July 8, 2010
Canadian agency OKs Chalk River restart, July 7, 2010
AECL plans for late July restart, July 2, 2010
AECL start-up hearing rescheduled, June 30, 2010
AECL proceeds with restart plans, June 28, 2010
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