The dependence of the risk of research reactors from their operating schedule--a case study

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Risk Analysis; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1991.tb00595.x· OSTI ID:5186573

Kollas, J G ^[1]

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1. Institute of Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection, NCSR Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi (Greece)

The dependence of the radiological consequences of the Demokritos research reactor on the operating schedule of the reactor is assessed in this paper. The 5 MW reactor is located within the limits of Athens city, a large population center with over 3 million inhabitants. The consequences examined would be due to the occurrence of a postulated accident, a 20% core melt loss of coolant accident, that is also considered as the design basis accident of the reactor. Three operating schedules are taken into account: (a) a continuous operation schedule; (b) a 16 hr/day, 5 days/week schedule; and (c) the present 8 hr/day, 5 days/week operating schedule. The assessment of the source term emerges from a conservative estimation of fission product releases to the reactor operating floor, and further under the conservative assumptions of no filter mitigation, and a ground release to the environment. The results of the analysis indicate that there is a direct relation between consequences and duration of operation, the former becoming appreciable as the continuous operation limit is approached. In all cases examined, the thyroid dose and the latent thyroid health effects would be the limiting consequences.

• OSTI ID: 5186573
• Journal Information: Risk Analysis; (United States), Journal Name: Risk Analysis; (United States) Vol. 11:2; ISSN RIAND; ISSN 0272-4332
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACCIDENTS
BODY
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOSES
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
EUROPE
GLANDS
GREECE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
OPERATION
ORGANS
PERSONNEL
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOLOGICAL PERSONNEL
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
RESEARCH REACTORS
RISK ASSESSMENT
THYROID