You are here

Reactor problems known for 20 years in Sweden

Nuclear Monitor Issue: 
#389
08/04/1993
Article

(April 8, 1993) The problem with the emergency cooling systems for the older Swedish boiling water reactors has been known for 20 years.

(389.3792) WISE-Stockholm - This was documented in a report by the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate (SKI). On 28 July 1992, faults in the reactors' emergency cooling system resulted in a valve releasing steam and ripping insulation off surrounding pipes.

The insulation clogged up intake screens in the emergency cooling system much quicker than expected. This could have led to a meltdown. According to SKI, this risk was known since the 1970's. Tests were done then that resulted in larger intake screens being installed in three Swedish pressurized water reactors: Ringhals 2, 3 and 4.

Source: Ny Teknik (Swe), 18 March 1993.
Contact: The People`s Movement Against Nuclear Power And Weapons (FMKK), Box 17246, S-10462 Stockholm, Sweden; tel: 46-8-42 33 36; fax: 46-8-64 22 829.