Belgium Shuts Down Nuclear Reactor Over Suspected Vessel Cracking

From Bellona:

The reactor vessel is one of the most important safety elements, both holding hot water under pressure and preventing the escape of radionuclides into the environment. Theoretically, should Dael No 3’s vessel be damaged, a cement barrier surrounding it would prevent further spread of radionuclides. (Lampert emphasis)

Possible problems with the vessel were first suspected by FANC in June, it said on its website statement. The agency has also promised to publicize a dossier of its data confirming that the cracks “do not threaten the structural integrity of the reactor vessel,” suggesting that the regulator is attempting to justify the reactor’s further use.

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