Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) has completed repairs to its National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Chalk River, Ontario.
In its June 16 update, AECL reported that weld repairs are now complete, as are a series of examinations of the final repair site. A review of those repairs has confirmed that all requirements for the final repair have been met.
AECL began repairs in December 2009 after discovery of a major water leak in the 53-year-old facility in May 2009. The Chalk River facility manufactures and supplies approximately 50% of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to North America.
AECL is scheduled to appear before the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on June 28 to request the board's approval to restart medical isotope production at the NRU reactor.
Part of AECL's return-to-service plan includes reactivating the NRU's auxiliary operating systems. To date, 23 of the 35 NRU systems are now in service.
The first medical isotopes will begin to be removed from the NRU reactor for processing and distribution within 10 days of the reactor being returned to service.
Related Reading
AECL requests NRU restart hearing, June 14, 2010
AECL's NRU repairs at 98%, June 11, 2010
SNM: 1 year later, Mo-99 shortage 'a lot worse,' June 8, 2010
AECL progresses with NRU repairs, June 3, 2010
Union criticizes AECL layoffs, June 1, 2010
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