Papers in this volume: 10
1. Life cycle assessment, electricity generation and sustainability
Author(s): Aum�nier S.
Page: 17
Keywords: Electricity, Environment, Environmental impact, Life cycle assessment, Life cycle assessments, Sustainable development
Abstract: When making a choice between alternatives, in whatever field, it is essential to have regard for the complete set of costs and benefits, in the widest possible sense, that will result in each case. The preferred option should be that which confers the maximum benefit, although relevant objectives will often conflict and its identification may be far from straightforward. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an environmental accounting tool for measuring the inputs and outputs of an option, whether a product, a process or an activity. This paper explains the principles and methodologies involved in LCA, its application to the nuclear sector, and to electricity generating options and sustainable development.
2. The development of mobile plants for the solidification of wet wastes arising at UK nuclear power stations
Author(s): Willis A.S.D., Hill V.P., Empsall R.D. and Thomson M.L.
Page: 25
Keywords: Nuclear power stations (NPS), Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal
Abstract: The operation of all the UK nuclear power stations gives rise to wet radioactive wastes in the form of filter backwash sludges and ion exchange resins. In the late 1980s the CEGB reviewed its strategy for dealing with these wastes and concluded that mobile, or transportable, solidification plants offered significant benefits compared with the alternative of constructing fixed installations at each of its then 13 stations. This strategy was carried forward by Nuclear Electric and is now the declared strategy of Magnox Electric. This paper summarises the perceived benefits of using mobile plants, and reports the progress to date in the implementation of the strategy.
3. Nuclear power in a competitive market
Author(s): Knee N.
Page: 33
Keywords: Competition, Electricity, Electricity markets, Nuclear power, United Kingdom
Abstract: The last seven years have seen a dramatic and profound change to the structure of the electricity supply industry in the UK. The privatisation programme, the relaxation of restrictions on the use of natural gas for power generation, and the development of efficient combined cycle gas turbine technology have led to a rapid change in the generation sector. Throughout this period, nuclear power generation has provided a steadily increasing proportion of total electricity demand. The improved performance of the AGRs was one of the main factors which made privatisation of British Energy possible. However, wholesale process for baseload electricity have been falling in real terms sine 1993/94. The challenge for the operators of nuclear plant is to remain competitive and to meet customer needs against this background. The environmental benefits of nuclear power generation, in terms of the negligible emissions of greenhouse gases, are well known but at present these do not give a competitive edge in the market-place. Nuclear operators must continue to operate safely, cut costs to remain competitive and operate more flexibly than hitherto.
4. The role of waste package specifications as a forerunner to ILW repository conditions for acceptance
Author(s): Barlow S.V. and Palmer J.D.
Page: 37
Keywords: Acceptance criteria, Intermediate level waste, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, Specifications, United Kingdom Nirex Ltd (Nirex)
Abstract: In the absence of a final repository site, design or associated safety case, Nirex is not in a position to issue conditions for acceptance. Nirex has therefore developed a strategy which facilitates packaging of intermediate level waste by providing guidance through waste package specifications, supported by the formal assessment of specific packaging proposals on a case-by-case basis. The waste package specifications are comprehensive and cover all aspects of the waste package including dimensions and of key features, performance standards, wasteform, quality assurance, and data recording requirements. The waste package specifications will be subject to periodic review as repository design and safety cases are finalised and will progressively become site- and design-specific. The waste package specifications will eventually form the basis for conditions of acceptance. The strategy described in this paper has been successfully followed by Nirex and customers for the past ten years and has permitted wastes to be packaged for a deep repository with confidence in the absence of a finalised site and safety cases for the repository. Because the process has its basis in a generic repository concept, it remains robust, despite the increased uncertainty following the March 1997 Secretary of State's decision, as to the siting and time-scale of a deep waste repository, and continues to be an important component of the UK's waste management strategy.
5. The management of intermediate level waste
Author(s): Beveridge G.D.
Page: 43
Keywords: British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL), Intermediate level waste, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, Waste
Abstract: The Sellafield site has been part of the British nuclear programme since 1952 and has been involved in many developments to that programme in the intervening years. This paper describes the wastes that have arisen and which will arise as a result of operations on the site. In the early decades, these wastes were accumulated in raw form on the site. Since then, there has been a change to direct immobilisation of the wastes as they arise, accompanied by the recovery of historic wastes. BNFL has developed a costed strategy for this programme of waste management, which includes the recovery of the historic inventory, from generation through to disposal. The paper also looks at the progress in construction of new plant and the company's plans for future plant investment.
6. Neutral uranium dimer complexes and selective extraction properties of a new para-tertiary butyl 1,3-acid-diethyl amide substituted calix[4]arene ligand
Author(s): Kan M.J., Nicholson G., Horn I., Williams G., Beer P.D., Schmitt P., Hesek D., Drew M.G.B. and Sheen P.
Page: 47
Keywords: Calixarene, Dimer
Abstract: The solvent extraction of uranium(VI) with a para-tertiary butyl 1,3-acid-diethyl amide substituted calix[4]arene ligand in dichloromethane has been studied. UO2 +2 was found to extract into the dichloromethane phase with a metal:ligand ratio of 1. X-ray crystallographic analysis of a single crystal indicated a dimeric species of 2 UO2 +2:2 ligands. The extraction mechanism id pH dependent due to the increased availability of deprotonated hydroxyl groups with increase in pH.
7. Stainless steel reinforcement for durability in concrete structures
Author(s): Cochrane D.J.
Page: 53
Keywords: Civil engineering, Concrete, Corrosion resistance, Durability, Materials and degradation (chemical and mechanical), Whole life costing
Abstract: Stainless steels and concrete are materials which the nuclear industry, more than any other, has given special attention to over the years. It is the intention of this paper to inform congress about developments outside the nuclear industry, in the use of stainless steel as reinforcement (rebar) in concrete structures. It is left to individual engineers within the industry to assess the implications of this information to applications with which they will be familiar.
8. The improvement of spin-offs from national nuclear R&D activities in Korea
Author(s): Lee T.-J., Yang M.-H. and Bae Z.-T.
Page: 59
Keywords: Korea, National R&D, Nuclear technology, Spin-offs, Technology transfer
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to identify the influencing factors and suggest guidelines for improving the technological effectiveness of spin-offs concerning the national nuclear R&D programmes in Korea. In order to find the influencing factors on the technological effectiveness of the spin-off Process, this study described the conceptual model which was composed of the technological effectiveness and three-group influencing factors such as donor, recipient and common factors. To validate the conceptual model, data were collected from twelve cases through in-depth interviews and well-prepared questionnaires, and the Spearman's correlation coefficient was employed. Finally, the influencing factors at each stage of the spin-off process were integrated to draw up a schematic framework and evaluate the implications for the improvement of technological effectiveness of spin-offs.
9. Addressing the nuclear misconception
Author(s): Taylor J.J.
Page: 65
Keywords: Economics, Nuclear operations and safety, Public opinion, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, Safety
Abstract: There is a perception, fostered and encouraged by the anti-nuclear groups, that the nuclear industry generates large quantities of waste with no idea how to deal with it, that it is unsafe, uneconomic, and environmentally damaging. The task is to change these perceptions, by demonstrating that the industry is not a problem in itself, but in fact provides solutions to problems. This paper, while primarily concerned with waste, addresses all of these issues as each has a bearing on the perception of the industry and therefore must be considered when addressing the issue of waste. The paper concludes that evidence exists to support the industry view, but that the mission of the industry should be to change the perception of the industry, by influencing and working together with its stakeholders to address their concerns, rather than merely presenting more and more facts.
10. Regulation of ageing power plants: ensuring safety in a changing environment
Author(s): Jackson S.A.
Page: 69
Keywords: Nuclear operations and safety, Nuclear power stations (NPS), Regulatory issues
Abstract: The current interest in licence renewal in the US nuclear power industry highlights the role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in ensuring the adequate protection of public health and safety. To that end, operational safety remains paramount. This paper examines the challenge ahead for NRC, and indeed for the whole nuclear industry, in achieving the best possible execution of the regulation and, in particular, the licence renewal process.