Rod type source of a level gauge became open

Print View Posted on: 09 May 2022

Event Date: 21 April 2022 Event Type: Radiation Source
Event Location: Hungary, Nitronénművek Co Ltd. INES Rating: 1 (Provisional)

In Nitrogénművek Co. Ltd. (Pétfürdő, Hungary) urea production plant operators realized abnormal parameters during production. Following the technological procedures LB 3223-1 Compack fixed level gauge (produced by Berthold) found to be failed. During the inspection of fixed level gauge, stainless steel hook, which allows to move the 3500 mm long rod type source consists of 3 rods interlinked with chain, was found missing. Since hook could be damaged therefore the source had become inaccessible. Rod type source may have slipped into the urea producer reactor due to damage the bottom of tube. Based on measurement, it is also assumed that the rod source has been damaged therefore become open.

INES Rating: 1 - Anomaly (Provisional) as per 28 April 2022
Release beyond authorized limits? No
Overexposure of a member of the public? No
Overexposure of a worker? No
Contamination spread within the facility? No
Damage to radiological barriers (incl. fuel damage) within the facility? No
Degradation of Defence In-Depth Yes
Person injured physically or casualty? No
Is there a continuing problem? Yes

Béla Balczó
Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority
haea@haea.gov.hu
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