High Flux Reactor at Petten temporarily shut down
The High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten failed to restart after a regular maintenance shutdown, due to a pipe deformation above the reactor vessel. NRG PALLAS has informed us that it wishes to repair this pipe before implementing a restart. We are monitoring this repair work in the interest of ensuring nuclear safety. There are no human and environmental impacts.
Consultation on consequences
The HFR is a research reactor operated by NRG PALLAS for the production of medical isotopes, among other things. These isotopes are used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The temporary shutdown of the reactor affects the production of medical isotopes. NRG PALLAS is in discussions with Nuclear Medicine Europe (NMEU) on mitigating the resulting impact on hospitals and patients.
Pipe maintenance
NRG PALLAS informed the ANVS about a previously identified pipe deformation, which NRG PALLAS has now confirmed to have increased. In light of unsuccessful attempts to repair the pipe deformation, NRG PALLAS decided to delay the planned restart of the reactor on 10 October to allow further maintenance work on the pipe to be carried out. Our inspectors will carry out monitoring during the maintenance period, including assessing the repair work on the pipe.
ANVS authorisation needed
To restart the reactor, NRG PALLAS needs our authorisation, which we will give only if NRG has demonstrated that the HFR can be returned to safe operation. The concerns that patients and processing officials may express will also be a factor in our decision. As a result, we will perform our assessments and inspections diligently, while aiming to complete them as quickly as possible. If needed, we will deploy extra personnel. At present, it is uncertain when the reactor will be ready to restart.