Mihama-3 probe looking at reaction to Surry-2 accident

Bonn (Platts)--11Aug2004

Japanese prosecutors and experts investigating turbine-side maintenance at the
Mihama-3 PWR in the aftermath of Monday's fatal secondary-side pipe break are
focusing in part on the reaction of Japanese industry and regulators to the
December 1986 break at the Surry-2 PWR in the U.S. In 1987, NRC circulated
memos to foreign regulatory organizations recommending corrective actions in
that case. Prosecutors in Fukui Prefecture as well as regulatory and industry
experts in Japan are now examining in detail what actions were taken by
regulators and industry to protect Japanese reactors against a similar
turbine-side pipe break as in the U.S., Japanese industry sources said.
Beginning a few years after the Surry event, these sources said, Mihama owner
Kansai Electric and other utilities identified turbine-side piping deemed
critical in avoiding a repeat event, and inspections were carried out leading
to some turbine-side piping replacements.

Copyright © 2004 - Platts

Please visit:  www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.