Palisades Nuclear Generating Station just recently completed the last of their major projects and have placed the Turbine Generator on the Turning Gear. One of the major accomplishments includes the addition of a state-of-the-art Refueling Machine (pictured below).

This is a giant step forward in the transition for a Palisades restart. The work accomplished includes reactor vessel inspections and replacement of reactor head penetrations, primary system chemical decontamination and passivation, steam generator tube refurbishment and secondary-side cleaning, fuel receipt and inspection, operator training and requalification, and numerous equipment upgrades and modernization projects.

Note:   Passivation is a post-fabrication chemical process used to make a material, typically metal, less reactive and more resistant to corrosion. It works by removing surface contaminants, like free iron, and encouraging the formation of a thin, protective oxide layer that shields the material from environmental degradation.

Photo: State-of-the-art Refueling Machine at Palisades

Photo Credit: Holtec