More problems with Monju fast-breeder reactor

March 25, 2015

More flaws found with Monju plant inspections

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150325_35.html

Mar. 25, 2015 - Updated 10:36 UTC+1

Nuclear regulators have found further problems with the inspection methods of the operator of the Monju fast-breeder reactor in Fukui Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast.

The Monju plant was shut down after a sodium leak was discovered in 1995. The plant was restarted on a test basis in 2010, but was soon shut down again due to a series of problems. Further test runs were banned in May 2013 over safety inspection oversights involving key equipment.

The reactor's operator, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, submitted a report on the problems to the Nuclear Regulation Authority last December.

Nuclear regulators met on Wednesday to discuss the operator's progress.
But the regulators heard that the operator had failed to carry out ultrasonic tests every 16 months as mandated to check the condition of pipes carrying coolant water.

The operator also failed to properly inspect the pipes where they intersect the walls of the reactor building. These spots require special checks because they cannot be visually inspected.

Authority Chairman Shunichi Tanaka censured Japan Atomic Energy Agency for its failure to properly inspect the pipes.

He said the company is not qualified to be in the atomic power business if it cannot be relied upon to manage the plant properly and conduct thorough inspections.