Shika 1 restarted for tests
30 March 2009
The Shika 1 reactor has restarted for tests after a prolonged shutdown following a safety revelation.
Hokuriku Electric Power Company announced today the start of a two-week program of checks, starting with pressure tests of the reactor and its coolant circuits. The reactor has already started and Hokuriku said it would gradually build up pressure in main systems to normal operating levels in order to confirm the performance of steam generators, piping and valves.
This trial operation at less than the unit's full power of 505 MWe would then be accompanied by a test of turbine generator systems which would produce some power. After this the unit is planned to be shut down for 'hot' tests of new systems added recently to increase seismic safety.
The resumption of commercial operation and power generation at maximum levels is planned for mid April.
Shika 1 was ordered to shut down as part of a drive from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Meti) to improve the level of safety in all electricity generating companies. During a Meti-ordered purge of records, Hokuriku admitted that a criticality incident had occurred in June 1999 during a periodic inspection.