PM-3A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT. HAZARDS SUMMARY REPORT. SITE DESCRIPTION AND SAFETY EVALUATION. VOLUME II

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1961

OSTI ID:4045849

Haass, W

An evaluation of the potential hazards associated with the operation of the PM-3A nuclear power plant at the Naval Air Facility at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica was performed. A detailed analysis of the containment structure was made in terms of the peak pressure resulting from a rupture of the primary system, possible damage to the containment due to failed components behaving as missiles, and the integrity of closures, penetration, and valves. The results of the analysis indicated that the design of the containment vessels is more than adequate to confine the results of an accident with the containment subsystem. The maximum credible accident, in addition to the failure of the primary system and subsequent release of fission products from the core, postulates the remote possibility of continuous leakage of a radioactive plume from the containment vessels passing toward the personnel living quarters. The analysis of this accident indicates that the liklihood of personnel receiving excessive radiation doses is extremely remote. It is the conclusion of these evaluations, that the PM-3A nuclear power plant can be operated at the Naval Air Facility, McMurdo Sound without undue risk to the base personnel. In addition, the possibility of contaminating the surrounding environment as a result of an accident is extremely remote. (auth)

• Research Organization: Martin Co. Nuclear Div., Baltimore
• NSA Number: NSA-15-022559
• OSTI ID: 4045849
• Report Number(s): MND-M3A-2496-II
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
AEROSOLS
CONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENT
FAILURES
FISSION PRODUCTS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
LEAKS
NUMERICALS
PERSONNEL
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
PRESSURE
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOACTIVITY
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR SAFETY
SEALS
SHELLS
SHIELDING
STANDARDS
VESSELS