Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has reported that 71 percent of the weld repairs and associated non-destructive examinations have been completed in the effort to return the Chalk River, Ontario-based National Research Universal (NRU) reactor to service.

“Development work continues on the detailed weld procedures for the final repair site. Activities remain focused on the final development stage and are nearing completion. Welder qualification and reliability training for the final repair site have been initiated,” said AECL.

Activities related to the start-up phase of the NRU return to service project continue in parallel with the current repair activities and it is estimated that NRU will resume isotope production by the end of July, according to the agency.