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I would like to check something. If I understand well, in the TMI accident, the reactor vessel was never damaged (in the sense of: having lost major containment function) ? Can someone confirm this, or correct my understanding ?
A TMI (Three Mile Island) pressure vessel is a component of a nuclear reactor that contains and controls the nuclear fuel and coolant. It is responsible for maintaining the appropriate pressure and temperature levels to sustain the nuclear reaction.
The integrity of a TMI pressure vessel is ensured through rigorous testing and inspection procedures. These include non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing, radiography, and eddy current testing, as well as visual inspections and pressure tests.
Several factors can affect the integrity of a TMI pressure vessel, including corrosion, fatigue, and thermal stress. Other potential factors include manufacturing defects, external impacts, and radiation damage.
The frequency of TMI pressure vessel inspections varies depending on the specific regulations and guidelines of the country or organization responsible for the nuclear facility. Generally, inspections are performed on a regular basis, ranging from every 1-2 years to every 10 years.
A compromised TMI pressure vessel can lead to a loss of containment of the nuclear fuel and coolant, which can result in a nuclear meltdown and release of radioactive material. This can have catastrophic consequences for both human health and the environment.