Limerick reactor shut down after valve closure

A reactor at Limerick Generating Station has been shut down as officials investigate why a valve closed.

The operator of the Montgomery County nuclear energy facility said the reactor was automatically taken off-line at about 9:40 p.m. Monday after a valve on one of the main steam lines closed.

The Unit 1 shutdown will not affect electric service to Exelon customers, the company said.

Officials said plant equipment responded as designed during the shutdown and station operators also responded appropriately.

Experts are still working to determine what caused the valve closure, the company said Tuesday morning.

Limerick Generating Station is located about 21 miles northwest of Philadelphia.