More delays for Davis Besse startup

3 August 2003


Modification work on high-pressure injection (HPI) pumps at Davis Besse has run into difficulties, further delaying the restart of the reactor.

Following the discovery in March 2002 of boric acid corrosion of the reactor head, operators FirstEnergy reviewed a range of design issues at the plant. Earlier this year FirstEnergy discovered that fine particles that pass through the containment emergency sump could damage the HPI pumps during a loss of coolant accident.

FirstEnergy employed MPR Associates to design and install self-cleaning filters to protect the HPI pumps. During mockup testing, it was discovered that the filter screens were not being properly purged of debris. Further designs are being tested, and FirstEnergy is also considering replacing the pumps instead.



Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.