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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.
Tien-Ko Wang, Liang-Chen Shiao, Chia-Lian Tseng
Nuclear Technology | Volume 91 | Number 3 | September 1990 | Pages 413-418
Technical Paper | Technique | doi.org/10.13182/NT90-A34462
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A method is developed to estimate spent-fuel burnup using gamma-ray spectrometry of the short-lived fission product 140La. The 140La activity was established by reirradiating the spent fuel in a reactor core. Based on the measured 140La activity, burnup values can be deduced by iterative calculations. In this method, the fuel irradiation history is not needed. To verify its validity, burnup values deduced from 140La activities were compared with those deduced from the conventional long-lived I37Cs activities and 134Cs/137Cs activity ratios; good agreement was obtained. This method is applicable to reactors loaded with highly enriched, thin plate-type fuels.
