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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.
Kai Masuda, Toshiteru Kii, Hideaki Ohgaki, Heishun Zen, Tetsuo Yamazaki
Nuclear Technology | Volume 168 | Number 2 | November 2009 | Pages 467-471
Shielding | Special Issue on the 11th International Conference on Radiation Shielding and the 15th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (Part 2) / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT09-A9226
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A shielding layout for a 40-MeV electron linac is presented. The linac building consists of 15-cm concrete roof and walls, and 2-m-thick shielding walls for horizontal shielding. No shielding roof covers the linac, which reduces the capital cost of the facility building. Though the present shielding layout allows an operation of up to 11.8-W averaged beam power, experimental dose equivalent rates are found to be much greater than that predicted by the skyshine formula. Monte Carlo (MCNP 4C) simulations indicate considerable contributions of radiation scattering by the thin roof and walls.
