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2026 Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Seconds Matter: Rethinking Nuclear Facility Security for the Modern Threat Landscape
In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, nuclear facilities must prioritize speed and precision in their security responses—because in critical moments, every second counts. An early warning system serves as a vital layer of defense, enabling real-time detection of potential intrusions or anomalies before they escalate into full-blown incidents. By providing immediate alerts and actionable intelligence, these systems empower security personnel to respond decisively, minimizing risk to infrastructure, personnel, and the public. The ability to anticipate and intercept threats at the earliest possible stage not only enhances operational resilience but also reinforces public trust in the safety of nuclear operations. Investing in such proactive technologies is no longer optional—it’s essential for modern nuclear security.
Paul G. Voillequé
Nuclear Technology | Volume 90 | Number 1 | April 1990 | Pages 23-33
Technical Paper | Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT90-A34383
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Samples of primary coolant at two pressurized water reactors in the United States have been collected and analyzed to determine the fraction of the radioiodine present in volatile forms. The volatile species, I2 and organic iodides, would be available for prompt release following a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accident, which overpressurizes the secondary coolant system and causes venting to the atmosphere. Coolant samples were collected at full power, during power reduction at the start of an outage, and up to 48 h after shutdown. Radioiodine concentrations spiked as power was decreased, and an increase in the volatile species fraction to ∼20% was seen within 2 h of shutdown. A second peak of 30 to 40% volatile species occurred at ∼1.5 days after shutdown, but is not significant for SGTR accidents.
