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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.
Jungsook Clara Wren, Chris J. Moore
Nuclear Technology | Volume 94 | Number 2 | May 1991 | Pages 242-251
Technical Paper | Advances in Reactor Accident Consequence Assessment / Material | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34545
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Triethylenediamine (TEDA) impregnated charcoals, used in nuclear reactors to safeguard against the release of airborne radioiodine, show high efficiency under various reactor operation and accident conditions when they are new. However, during normal operation, charcoal filters are continuously degraded (or weathered) due to the adsorption of moisture and other air contaminants. The effect of weathering on the efficiency of charcoal for removing radioiodine is of great interest. The results of a study on the adsorption behavior of various contaminants {NO2, SO2, 2-butanone [methyl-ethyl ketone (MEK)], and NH3} on TEDA charcoal are presented. This study is an attempt to characterize and quantify the weathering process of TEDA charcoal by these contaminants. The adsorption and desorption of characteristics of these contaminants range from completely irreversible (NO2) to completely reversible (NH3). The effect of adsorbed water (or humidity) on adsorption is different for each contaminant. Adsorbed water increases the adsorption rate and capacity of TEDA charcoal for NO2, while it does not significantly change those for SO2. However, it appears that SO2 is adsorbed as H2SO4 on the wet charcoal. Adsorbed water slightly reduces the adsorption capacity of the charcoal for MEK, but does not affect the adsorption of NH3.
