June 22, 2012
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Final Jeopardy
Today - I successfully completed my evaluation as a control supervisor. It's one-half of my final evaluation to completing this 18 month certification course.
I was tasked to supervise an escalation in power from 52% to 80%. They never let us get very far before throwing curve balls at us, so we didn't get very far.
Next, we had a failure of one of our support cooling pumps.
Then, we had a failure of one of our power indicators.
And to get us into our emergency procedures, we had a piping break in the reactor coolant system.
All in all - the scenario was pretty straight-forward. I've seen a lot of more complicated ones throughout the course.
I haven't had very much time to act as a unit supervisor. Since I'm only getting a certification instead of a true operating license, the practice time has been (rightfully) invested in my peers. So it's no small thing to say I was pleased not only to pass, but to do so competently. It would be akin to being the understudy in a play with almost no time on stage, or the back-up quarterback to Peyton Manning. I've "seen" the moves many times ... but haven't performed many of the moves.
Today - I had the moves!
Next Friday is my final written exam. I pass that, and I'm certified ... or at least, certifiable.
Comments (7)
Well -- they've decided the San Onofre cooling pipes were replaced with pipes that had a design flaw -- the plant will be down for several months at least! San Onofre provides 20% of So Cal's power, and they've ramped up an old steam generator that provides 8% -- expect massive outages during this summer!
There's a light at the end of the tunnel! Woohoo! (We'll have to wait and see if "woohoo" is a crow of triumph or a train whistle.)
@slmret - loss of that much generation doesn't sound encouraging for a hot summer! I've long been an advocate for renewable energy on residential houses (solar panels / small wind turbines) to alleviate the power demand on big plants, and to have SOMETHING available during power outages.
Good for you!
Good for you!
I totally agree with you -- unfortunately my middle unit townhome is not a good candidate for solar energy. Anyhow -- all that to say congratulations, and good luck on the written final exam!
All the best, brother! If I ever get into a hot situation at a nuclear power plant I know who to call. Of course if I'm ever running a nuclear plant it'll be in a dream... I wonder... if I dream I'm calling you for help running a nuclear plant, will you answer the phone in your dream???
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