New vessel heads for Beznau

摘要

Nordostschweizerischen Kraftwerke AG (NOK) is to replace the vessel heads at both reactors at its Beznau power plant in Switzerland. The CHF100 million ($86 million) investment will also include two control rod drives at the plant. Installation of the new components is scheduled for 2013.rnThe vessel head replacement is being carried out as a preventa-tive measure to ensure continued operation of the two 365MWe Westinghouse PWRs. No prob-rnlems that would necessitate repairs or replacement have been found in the two reactors, which have been operating for around 40 years, but NOK has decided to carry out the replacement based on global operating experience in about 80 similar installations indicating that frequent, time-consuming inspections and partial repairs could be required as the plants grow older.