FirstEnergy reveals it has found additional cracks in Davis-Besse's reactor building

[OhioChick]

Monday, October 31, 2011, 7:15 PM

FirstEnergy Corp. said Monday that structural and concrete engineers examining the "shield building" that houses the Davis-Besse reactor had found "indications" of hairline cracks in the reinforced-concrete wall.

In a letter to investors issued after the close of the stock market, after the close of the stock market, the Akron company said engineers had not yet determined whether the cracks located electronically in two places inside the building's 21/2-foot thick wall could affect the integrity of the building and its ability to protect the reactor.

The company said its investigation into the cracks will continue. The reactor is shut down for major repairs, but the letter indicated the company hopes to re-start the reactor in late November.

Often referred to as the reactor building, the shield building surrounds the giant steel can in which the reactor actually sits. The can, or "containment vessel," is made of 11/2-inch carbon steel and is designed to keep radiation from escaping into the environment, especially in the event of a catastrophic accident.

More: http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/10/firstenergy_reveals_it_has_fou.html

[Ian David]

1. See, the shield building is cracking open, just like it's supposed to.

:sarcasm: