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Risk analysis of highly combustible gas storage, supply, and distribution systems in PWR plants

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10162133· OSTI ID:10162133
 [1]; ; ; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Science Applications International Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
  3. SCIENTECH, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
This report presents the evaluation of the potential safety concerns for pressurized water reactors (PWRs) identified in Generic Safety Issue 106, Piping and the Use of Highly Combustible Gases in Vital Areas. A Westinghouse four-loop PWR plant was analyzed for the risk due to the use of combustible gases (predominantly hydrogen) within the plant. The analysis evaluated an actual hydrogen distribution configuration and conducted several sensitivity studies to determine the potential variability among PWRs. The sensitivity studies were based on hydrogen and safety-related equipment configurations observed at other PWRs within the United States. Several options for improving the hydrogen distribution system design were identified and evaluated for their effect on risk and core damage frequency. A cost/benefit analysis was performed to determine whether alternatives considered were justifiable based on the safety improvement and economics of each possible improvement.
Research Organization:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Safety Issue Resolution; EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-76ID01570
OSTI ID:
10162133
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR--5759; EGG--2640; ON: TI93015919
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English