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Title: Technology, safety and costs of decommissioning reference light-water reactors following postulated accidents

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6627026· OSTI ID:6627026

Technical requirements, costs, and safety are conceptually evaluated for the post-accident cleanup and decommissioning of light water reactors. The initial effort following a reactor accident is to bring the plant under control and to stabilize the reactor to prevent further accidents. Stabilization of the reactor is followed by accident cleanup and by decommissioning or refurbishment of the facility. This study provides an analysis of accident cleanup and decommissioning activities for three postulated accident scenarios. The scenario 1 accident is postulated to result in 10% fuel cladding failure, no fuel melting, moderate contamination of the containment structure, but no significant physical damage to buildings and equipment. The scenario 2 accident is postulated to result in 50% fuel cladding failure, a small amount of fuel melting, extensive radioactive contamination of the containment structure, moderate radioactive contamination of supporting buildings, and minor physical damage to buildings and equipment. The scenario 3 accident is postulated to result in 100% fuel cladding failure, significant fuel melting and core damage, severe radioactive contamination of the containment structure, moderate radioactive contamination of supporting buildings, and major physical damage to structures and equipment.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6627026
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-2601-Vol.1; ON: DE83004428
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English