Papers in this volume: 7
1. Nuclear power in the CIS: status and trends
Author(s): Yu Gagarinski A.
Page: 13
Keywords: Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS, Liquid metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs), Nuclear power, Nuclear power plant (NPP), VVER and RBMK reactors
Abstract: This paper examines the state of the nuclear industry in the countries of the former USSR, detailing the historical perspective, current developments in the light of the present economical situation and the great potential of nuclear power in Russia in the future.
2. Surveillance programmes for advanced pressurised water reactors
Author(s): Little E.A.
Page: 23
Keywords: Degradation - chemical and mechanical, Pressure vessels and primary circuits, Pressurised water reactors (PWRs)
Abstract: An overview is presented of the general principles of surveillance sample monitoring of PWR pressure vessels. The need for surveillance programmes for condition assessment of vessel support structures and core internals is also considered. The scope for improvements to reactor surveillance which could be applied to advanced PWR systems with extended lifetimes is evaluated in the light of recent developments in the fields of mechanical property test procedures, microstructural characterisation techniques and neutron dosimetry, and a series of recommendations is put forward.
3. Structural integrity of Sizewell B - the way forward
Author(s): Geraghty J.E.
Page: 35
Keywords: Degradation - chemical and mechanical, Nuclear power plant (NPP), Pressure vessels and primary circuits, Pressurised water reactors (PWRs)
4. Transforming dose management techniques through technology
Author(s): Bennett M.
Page: 43
Keywords: Dose, Dosimetry, Management, Radiation monitoring and dose management, Radiological health and safety, Virtual reality
Abstract: The management of occupational dose exposure has been transformed in recent years through the use of facilities such as computerised databases, remote instrumentation and electronic data transfer. Use of this technology has allowed increases both in the amount of data capable of being processed and in the speed at which the data is made available to operators and Health Physics personnel. These developments have significantly improved the quality and efficiency of dose management. The dose management system being used in support of the UK�s naval nuclear plants has incorporated advances in the areas of doimetre, data handling and data analysis. Physical dispersion of sites servicing the nuclear plants means that effective communications links have also been vital for good dose management. In dosimetry, the move away from manually kept records of film badge dose information to the use of electronic dosimetry with computerised databases able to store information on a wide range of parameters has meant that dose control can be carried out quickly and effectively. Application of remote dose-rate measuring instruments to provide continuous monitoring of the workplace has also proved beneficial. Consideration is being given to using radio-frequency technology to allow real-time dose management of workers in the radiation area and to transmit data from local Health Physics monitoring points to the main control area. In the area of data handling and analysis, a centralised database with data transfer links to the various sites has enabled dose and time data for individuals and tasks to be recorded on a common basis for all plants. Analysis of this data is used to predict doses for future work, to plan manpower requirements, to identify areas requiring dose reduction effort, and to monitor the effects of any changes in work practice or plant modifications. Dose management capabilities are completed by a predictive computer code capable of estimating dose-rates, doses and shielding requirements for tasks where historical data is not applicable.
5. The impact of IT on dose management at Devonport Royal Dockyard
Author(s): James B.T., Urquhard S.N. and Kinsman A.
Page: 49
Keywords: ALARP principle, Dosimetry, Management, Naval reactor technology, Radiation, Radiation monitoring and dose management, Radiological health and safety
6. A DTI overview of managing nuclear liabilities
Author(s): Hirst N.
Page: 54
Keywords: Decommissioning, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Future financial liabilities, Management, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal
Abstract: The opportunities for the UK to increase its share of the international nuclear decommissioning and waste management market are discussed against the background of an expanding portfolio of successful exports. Ways of improving our effectiveness in overseas markets are identified, including the development of a more coherent UK industry by sharing information and by benchmarking activities. It is concluded that substantial further business is available overseas and that UK companies are in an excellent position to exploit that potential.
7. A radical approach to decommissioning and nuclear liabilities management
Author(s): Pooley, D
Page: 58
Keywords: Future financial liabilities, Liabilities, Management, Radioactive, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal
Abstract: UKAEA Government Division has been set up primarily to manage and eventually eliminate the nuclear liabilities left from the many national nuclear programmes in which UKAEA has been involved. It is no longer primarily a nuclear plant or decommissioning operator but has developed a radical approach to decommissioning. It targets best value for money, alongside meeting safety and environmental requirements, by major use of contractors for its work, including using them as managing agents for big projects. In its first year of operation it made considerable progress in setting out the mission goals, performance measuresand operational principles for such an organisation, as well as in reducing costs on a wide front from those expected, in increasing competition for future projects, and in keeping individual projects under good control. It also made major physical progress with specific decommissioning projects. For the future it has established a programme of continuous performance improvement which will bring further benefits and provide a benchmark for all organisations in the business of liabilities management.