PWR Core 2 Project accident analysis
The various operations required for receipt, handling, defueling and storage of spent Shippingport PWR Core 2 fuel assemblies have been evaluated to determine the potential accidents and their consequences. These operations will introduce approximately 16,500 kilograms of depleted natural uranium (as UO/sub 2/), 139 kilograms of plutonium, 2.8 megacuries of mixed fission products, and 14 kilograms of Zircaloy-4 (cladding and hardware) into the 221-T Canyon Building. Event sequences for potential accidents that were considered included (1) leaking fuel assemblies, (2) fire and explosion, (3) loss of coolant or cooling capability, (4) dropped and/or damaged fuel assemblies, and extrinsic occurrences such as loss of services, missile impact, and natural occurrences (e.g., earthquake, tornado). Accident frequencies were determined by formal analysis to be very low. Accident consequences are greatly mitigated by the safety and containment features designed into the fuel modules and shipping cask, the long cooling time since reactor discharge, and the redundant safety features designed into the facilities, equipment, and operating procedures for the PWR Core 2 Project. Possible hazards associated with the handling of these fuels have been considered and adequate safeguards and storage constraints identified. The operations of M-160 cask unloading and module storage will not involve identifiable risks as great or significantly greater than those for comparable licensed nuclear facilities, nor will hazards or risks be significantly different from comparable past 221-T Plant programs. Therefore, it is concluded that the operations required for receipt, handling, and defueling of the M-160 cask and for the storage and surveillance of the PWR Core 2 fuel assemblies at the 221-T Canyon Building can be performed without undue risk to the safety of the involved personnel, the public, the environment or the facility.
- Research Organization:
- Atomics International Div., Richland, WA (USA). Rockwell Hanford Operations
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-77-C-06-1030
- OSTI ID:
- 7068278
- Report Number(s):
- RHO-CD-296; TRN: 78-016045
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Addendum 1 to CSER 78-001 PWR Core 2 Blanket Fuel Storage Cell 4 221T building
Shippingport Spent Fuel Canister System Description
Related Subjects
SPENT FUEL STORAGE
RADIATION HAZARDS
HANFORD RESERVATION
SHIPPINGPORT REACTOR
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POWER REACTORS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
050900* - Nuclear Fuels- Transport
Handling
& Storage
054000 - Nuclear Fuels- Health & Safety