Pantex Sealant Could Be Flawed

Sealant used in repairs at the U.S. Energy Department’s Pantex nuclear plant in Texas to limit plutonium releases in case of an accidental explosion may be flawed, the Associated Press reported today (see GSN, March 29).

“Pantex is conducting studies of the sealant to determine its effectiveness,” said Joe Papp, system engineering section manager for contractor BWXT Pantex.

The plant near Amarillo handles nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly work for the U.S. atomic stockpile.

After plant officials found in September that a 6-year-old work order to repair faulty cell door welds had never been completed, weapons operations in assembly cells were halted. Work resumed after workers sealed the welds.

The sealant was later found to be peeling near assembly cell doors, according to a July 21 report.

Fixing the sealant could cost $15-20 million, according to government estimates (Associated Press/San Angelo Standard-Times, Aug. 23).

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