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This initially started because the feedwater pumps in the secondary circuit stopped (for an unknown reason). This automatically shutdown the turbine and reactor, but due to the then lack of a heat sink, the reactor primary circuit started to pressurise, and the relief valve (PORV) opened (as designed). But the valve failed to reseat and this was not noticed by the operators. This led to continued loss of reactor coolant and eventually to partial melting of the reactor fuel. The complete sequence in more detail can be read in Wikipedia article 'Three Mile Island accident', which I recommend. It is not technically difficult to understand.

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What country did the three mile island accident happen?

The Three Mile Island accident occurred in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania. It was a partial meltdown of a reactor at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in 1979.


We've all heard of the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island but what state is Three Mile Island in?

Three Mile Island is located in Pennsylvania. It is situated on the Susquehanna River, south of Harrisburg.


Was the nuclear accident at Chernobyl more devastating than the accident at Three Mile Island?

No, not according to an Forbes article that states Chernobyl disaster (level 7 on International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale) was magnitudes worse than the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, which was a level 4 and likely be upgraded to a level 5.


How long did the Three mile island accident last?

The Three Mile Island accident occurred on March 28, 1979, and lasted for about 14 days, until the reactor was brought under control. The cleanup and recovery process continued for several years afterward.


The nuclear accident at Chernobyl was than the accident at Three Mile Island.?

The nuclear accident at Chernobyl was more severe and resulted in widespread radioactive contamination and long-term health effects, whereas the accident at Three Mile Island resulted in a partial core meltdown that was contained within the reactor. Additionally, the Chernobyl disaster led to multiple immediate fatalities and a significant evacuation of nearby residents.

Related Questions

What event caused the United States to slow H construction of nuclear power plants in the 1980s?

The Three Mile Island accident in 1979


What is the common name by which TMI-2 accident that started at 4 AM on Wednesday March 28 1979 is known?

The Three Mile Island accident was a partial nuclear meltdown which occurred at the Three Mile Island power plant in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States on March 28, 1979.


What is the common name by which tmi-2 accident that started at 4 AM Wednesday March 28 2979 is known?

The Three Mile Island accident was a partial nuclear meltdown which occurred at the Three Mile Island power plant in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States on March 28, 1979.


1979 nuclear accident site?

Three Mile Island.


What country did the three mile island accident happen?

The Three Mile Island accident occurred in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania. It was a partial meltdown of a reactor at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in 1979.


Where was the Pennsylvania nuclear plant accident site?

Three Mile Island.


What event caused the United states to slow its construction of nuclear power plants in the 1980s?

Americans felt less safe after the accident at Three Mile Island. - APEX.


Why did the US slow it's construction of nuclear power plants in the 1980's?

Americans felt less safe after the accident at Three Mile Island.


When did the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania happpen?

The accident began about 4:00 a.m. on March 28, 1979.


What changes have been made to Three Mile Island since the accident?

dolphin


How many ft are in 3 tenths of a mile?

There are 1584 feet in 3 tenths of a mile.


Is there such thing as a 3 mile country?

there is no such thing as a 3-mile country