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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Hisayoshi Mitamura, Seiichiro Matsumoto, William J. Buykx, Shingo Tashiro
Nuclear Technology | Volume 85 | Number 1 | April 1989 | Pages 109-117
Technical Note | Radioactive Waste Management | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A34232
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
SYNROC blocks containing 1.61 wt% of the curium source were fabricated for an alpha radiation stability test using the calciner and the hot press, which were newly installed in the hot cell. The calciner could dry and then calcine the curium-doped SYNROC slurry with very little powder carryover. The calcined powder had pour and tap densities of 0.50 and 0.85 g·cm-3, respectively. Four SYNROC blocks with almost equal densities (4.302 to 4.308 g·cm-3) were fabricated by hot pressing.