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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.
Kunihiko Takeda, Yoshikazu Nishigaki, Hatsuki Onitsuka
Nuclear Technology | Volume 89 | Number 3 | March 1990 | Pages 372-380
Technical Paper | Radioisotopes and Isotope Separation | doi.org/10.13182/NT90-A34375
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The total separation energy, including redox and pumping energy, was calculated using recent experimental data from the “super” chemical enrichment process. The redox energy mainly depends on the reflux ratio of the redox agents and the inverse redox reaction in the enrichment columns. The total energy consumption is ∼100 kW·h/separative work unit and the redox energy per separative work unit decreases with higher product assay. This chemical enrichment process is advantageous for recovering higher (1 to 5%) enriched uranium.