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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.
Chien Chung, Liq-Ji Yuan
Nuclear Technology | Volume 109 | Number 2 | February 1995 | Pages 226-235
Technical Paper | Radiation Application | doi.org/10.13182/NT95-A35055
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A reactor-based facility of neutron capture, prompt gamma-ray spectrometry for activation analysis has been installed at the 1-MW low-power Tsing-Hua Open Pool Reactor. The system consists of a neutron beam port with collimators, irradiation station, external beam tube, neutron beam catcher, and counting system. The counting system contains a 25% n-type high-purity germanium, main gamma-ray detector, a 9- × 10-in. Nal(Tl) detector shield, and Compton-suppression/pair spectroscopic electronics coupled to the Canberra S-88 multiparameter analyzer. Although the neutron beam at the sample irradiation station has an intensity of only 1 300 000 n/cm2.s with a cadmium ratio of 26 to 1, the background levels of the on-line measurement in the mixed neutron/gamma field are sufficiently low, resulting in satisfactory detection of many elemental compositions in samples. The lower limits of detection of 42 elements in a sample matrix of the present system, its applications, and planned upgrade are considered.