Product Description
Westinghouse PWR reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) circulated primary coolant between the reactor vessel and steam generators at high temperature and pressure. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the multi-stage shaft-seal cartridge, gland packing, and thermal-barrier assembly allegedly incorporated asbestos-braided packing rings, asbestos-fiber gland seals, and asbestos-fabric gaskets rated for elevated primary-loop conditions. Replacement seal packages allegedly released respirable asbestos fibers when workers dismantled the seal housing, scraped seat surfaces clean, and installed fresh packing during outage rebuilds.
Workers Exposed
Nuclear plant mechanics and pipefitters/steamfitters allegedly rebuilt Westinghouse RCP shaft-seal packages. Refueling outage contractors allegedly staged and executed the seal-cartridge changeouts during scheduled outages. Nuclear plant operators allegedly monitored the pumps during return-to-service testing.