Finnish utility TVO has denied that faulty welding of pipes for Olkiluoto 3 has delayed construction on site.
Finland’s nuclear regulator, STUK, halted work on the main coolant pipes and called for an investigation into the faults’ safety significance before work can take place.
STUK said some of the faults were 1–2mm long and, at most, 1.8mm deep along a 190mm length of pipe.
However, TVO refutes claims that the problem had caused delays saying the welding in question had taken place at the manufacturer’s site in France and had not halted work at the new unit in Finland.
TVO said: “These defects in the weld seams of the main coolant pipes can be easily repaired. One of the pipes is already repaired.
“The defects in question are on the surface, very small and have no effect in the strength properties or safety.
“The pipes will be in compliance with the quality and safety requirements and will not impact the project schedule.”
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