Belgium RPV cracks.

[a|F]

There appear to be cracks in the RPV at Doel #3, Belgium.  Not surprisingly, very little information is available at this time. 

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20120810-709795.html

Looks like it's a Westinghouse, 3-loop PWR.  The article states there are 10 plants in the US whos RPV's were made by Rotterdam Drydock.  According to Wlrun, there are 13 such plants in the US.

[Higgs]

Hmm, I work at a Westinghouse 3 loop PWR. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

Justin

[HydroDave63]

More info here:

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/08/10/belgians-skeptical-that-nuclear-reactor-will-come-back-online-after-cracks-discovered-near-core/

[HydroDave63]

I knew I recalled reading some boring dry engineering info in the 90s regarding the first 2 Doel units and some experiments in vessel annealment for RTT issues. The unit in the news is a newer unit of different design, but the weld copper issues remain. Does your unit still perform embrittlement specimen testing?

http://www.jsme.or.jp/monograph/pes/1999/ICONE7/PAPERS/TRACK04/FP7445.PDF

[Higgs]

BV U1 has RTT issues.

Justin