Information Bulletin - Loss of Refrigerant

Chalk River Information Bulletin

(2010 April 30) The following information bulletin is in accordance with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).

AECL reports a loss of approximately 775 kg of R-134A refrigerant from the MR-3 Experimental Loop. The loss was recognized on 2010 April 20 and is likely caused by an accumulated release over a period of time. The loss of refrigerant was detected as part of AECL’s ongoing environmental program, under which the inventory of R-134A in the loop is monitored and any losses reported to regulatory authorities.

The cause of the event is currently under investigation. The loop is shut down and all refrigerant is removed from the loop and is being stored on site. The loop will not be returned to service until leak tests of the loop indicate that it is safe to do so.

Located in AECL’s thermal-hydraulic test facility, the MR-3 test loop is used for experiments that simulate the behaviour of nuclear reactor coolant systems; the loop uses a halocarbon refrigerant R-134A. R-134A has been chosen for a combination of desirable experimental properties and its relatively low environmental impact. It is inert, non-radioactive, non-flammable and poses no immediate risk to human health.

This event has been reported to Environment Canada as required by the Federal Halocarbon Regulations Act and also to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

AECL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.

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Contact:

Patrick Quinn
Manager, Site & Community Affairs
AECL, (613) 584-8500