A problem affecting water flow in a steam generator shut down unit 3 at New York's Indian Point nuclear plant Monday.
A failed valve in the main feedwater system contributed to a mismatch in the SG's steam and feed flows, according to a report filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Safety systems shut the reactor down automatically from full power. The auxiliary feedwater system actuated during the trip, the main condenser served as a heat sink, and no safety valves lifted.
A release from plant operator Entergy said the shutdown at 9:15 p.m. resulted from a falling water level inside the SG after a controller failed that regulates its water flow. Unit 3 had been in service for 159 continuous days. Unit 2 was not affected by the shutdown.