HOUSTON – ValvTechnologies is playing a major role in the implementation of TVA’s Watts Bar 1&2, FLEX initiatives. WB1 has been in operation since 1996 and is the latest domestic commercial plant to come on line. WB2 will be the first nuclear reactor to come online in the United States in nearly two decades with its scheduled completion in late 2015. It is located on a 1,770-acre (7.2 km²) site in Rhea County, Tennessee, near Spring City, between the cities of Chattanooga and Knoxville
Bill Henwood, Vice President for Nuclear Power at ValvTechnologies, noted that this is the company’s second assignment relative to the post Fukushima Daiichi response. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) call for diverse and flexible coping capabilities, or FLEX strategy was developed to address the loss of cooling capability and electrical power resulting from a severe natural event – making U.S. nuclear facilities even safer.
“This is a significant assignment; our valve solutions were judged on their own merits and not compared to existing linear or quarter turn technology,” said Henwood. “ValvTechnologies is committed to being a leader in the design, technology and safe operation of nuclear power plants both domestically and around the world.”
Once finished, Watts Bar 2 is projected to produce 1,180 megawatts and create around 250 permanent jobs. The reactor is expected to begin operation in December 2015.
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, ValvTechnologies is the leading manufacturer of Zero-leakage, severe service isolation valve solutions. Employing more than 500 people worldwide, our offices are located in the United Kingdom, Mainland Europe, China, Middle East, India, Australia and South America. In addition, ValvTechnologies partners with stocking distributors and independent representatives to service customers around the world. To find out more about the products and services offered or to locate a representative, visit our website at www.valv.com.
