Several UCOR teams quickly responded last week to a deteriorated drain line connected to the main transfer pipe from the Melton Valley Collection Tank Facility (Building 7961) and the Process Waste Treatment Complex (Building 3608) supporting ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor.
After a sump pump alarm signaled potential flooding concerns, ORNL Nuclear Operations crews responded and found water leaking from the piping. The facility manager, Sam Plowman, identified the need for an immediate fix based on the tank capacity and system capabilities at that time.
In less than 12 hours, operations, work control, engineering, and maintenance personnel developed a path forward to isolate the deteriorated piping. Workers cut the drain line and separated the segment from the main transfer line.
Piping replacement at 7961 supporting the Liquid and Gaseous Waste Operations (LGWO) in the coming weeks will serve as a permanent solution to the aging piping system and provide more stable support for ongoing science missions at ORNL.
“The timely actions from all the people and organizations involved in this critical response ensured minimal impact to LGWO and kept the systems in a safe state during the repair,” ORNL Nuclear Operations Area Project Manager James Wheeler said.