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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.
Jorma Jokiniemi, Kimmo Koistinen, Taisto Raunemaa
Nuclear Technology | Volume 90 | Number 3 | June 1990 | Pages 394-407
Technical Paper | RELAP/MOD2 / Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT90-A34403
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Hygroscopic aerosols were studied at 40° C at different relative humidity levels in a flow-type reactor chamber. The main interest was in growth of hygroscopic aerosols under higher humidity conditions. The time development of the aerosol in the 0.01- to 17-µm size range was determined using electrical aerosol analyzer and optical particle counter aerosol analyses. Low velocity and laminar flow were used to facilitate the comparison with theoretical considerations. Cesium hydroxide (CsOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used as hygroscopic materials. Cesium is one of the most abundant species in core melt release, and NaOH is well known for its hygroscopic properties. The primary particles were produced by a constant output atomizer. The dry particle size, as volume median diameter (VMD), for CsOH was 1.8 µm. The observed airborne particle size after 2 min of travel was 6.3 µm, after 5 min 5.3 µm, and after 10 min 3.4 µm at saturated conditions. For dry NaOH aerosol, the measured initial VMD was 2.7 µm. At saturated conditions, the observed VMD was 6.7 µm after a 10-min travel. Theoretical calculations with the modified NAUA code showed that during travel through the chamber, the particle size change can be attributed to hygroscopic growth and sedimentation.