[Tilted Irish Kilt]

meatloaf :" That Makes no sense if the federal government owned them."

I think that you are right about the ownership.
I believe that over a certain period of time, the stainless steel tubing and parts become brittle,
after exposure to radiation and high temps,
and must be replaced periodically over time.
It's all part of the routine maintenance required by the NRC.

[meatloaf]

Parts subject to embrittlement are checked.