At the TMI site - INL contributions (and other)
This diagram shows TMI reactor core damage as hypothesized by INL scientists after video investigtions of the damaged reactor core were complete. (INL diagram)
The INL has been leading the nation’s nuclear reactor advances and nuclear engineering since the first prototypes and early test reactors were designed and built here more than 50 years ago. INEEL specialists assisted in the TMI situation by performing extensive research into the causes of the event. They also devised methods to remotely inspect the damaged reactor core using ultrasonic and visual technologies, providing a clear understanding of exact conditions as TMI was secured and the cleanup process began.
A unique model of the damaged TMI core was created to guide the team as it investigated and resolved the reactor core situation. INL used the information gained to further refine RELAP-5, the world’s most advanced nuclear reactor safety code.
Today, the Laboratory continues to lead the world in nuclear reactor safety research and development. As the nation’s center for nuclear reactor research and development, INL is leading the Generation IV effort for the United States and 10 other nations engaged in a coordinated research, development and testing program. The Gen IV program will result in the world’s safest, most efficient, and most proliferation-resistant commercial power nuclear reactor in coming years.
- TMI entry termed successful (118 KB PDF)
- Engineer inspects TMI crane (109 KB PDF)
- A look inside TMI Unit 2 reactor core (124 KB PDF)
- Nature trail opens on Three Mile Island (105 KB PDF)
- Team takes TMI core samples (133 KB PDF)
- Reactor head lifted, TMI Unit 2 (89 KB PDF)
- Unique machine used in TMI-2 core boring (127 KB PDF)
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