THAM-A - Power Reactor Health Physics North 221ABC 08:00 - 09:45
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THAM-A.1
08:00 Introduction to Small Modular Reactors BS Pell*, Duke Energy
Abstract: Small Modular Reactors are operational in Russia and under construction in Russia and Argentina. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a type of nuclear fission reactor which are smaller than conventional reactors. This allows them to be manufactured at a plant and brought to a site to be assembled. Modular reactors allow for less on-site construction, increased containment efficiency, and enhanced safety due to passive nuclear safety features. SMRs have been proposed as a way to bypass financial and safety barriers that have plagued conventional nuclear reactors. In this presentation, current SMR testing, development, and legislation is discussed to understand timelines and barriers that need to be overcome before SMRs can be used as a carbon free alternative to base power generation.
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THAM-A.2
08:15 Small Modular Reactor Health Physics Challenges BS Pell*, Duke Energy
Abstract: Like conventional Boiling Water and Pressurized Water Reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) present their own set of challenges for health physics personnel. In this presentation, areas such as emergency planning, used fuel disposal and storage, radioactive waste, environmental concerns, and operational risks are examined in order to help health physics personnel understand how they might participate and advocate the use SMRs as a carbon free alternative to base power generation. The role of the Health Physics Society in a carbon free future is examined.
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THAM-A.3
08:30 Design Basis Accident Dose Criteria - History and Perspectives JG Parillo*, USNRC
Abstract: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) design basis accident (DBA) dose criteria and the resulting design of accident mitigation systems could be perceived to emphasize protection of the control room operator over protection of the public. The control room criterion restricts the calculated 30-day accident dose to the annual occupational limit of five rem while the off-site dose criteria allows for a calculated dose of 25 rem in two hours. DBA dose criteria should not be viewed as representing actual doses received by individuals but rather as figures of merit which have a direct impact on the design of structures, systems and components (SSCs) important to safety. The off-site dose criteria were derived from the siting practices of the earliest reactors and are not reflective of current health physics knowledge or modern plant construction. As a result, the design of accident mitigation systems may not be optimized in the best interest of NRC’s mission of protecting public health and safety. The control room accident dose criterion has proven to be challenging to demonstrate with many plants having very little margin to the regulation. This paper identifies concerns with current DBA dose criteria and recommends revisions to the accident dose acceptance criteria that will; (1) be reflective of modern health physics recommendations and modern plant designs, (2) provide a better balance between protection of the control room operator and protection of the public, and (3) relieve the unnecessary regulatory burden associated with meeting the current control room dose criterion.
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THAM-A.4
08:45 Response To COVID-19 Pandemic In US Nuclear Plants RW Adams*, Xcel Energy
; Ri Adams
Abstract: The United States nuclear power industry has effectively responded to challenges associated with routine operation and refueling outages of the nuclear plants during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Despite initial efforts being less effective, the rapid sharing of lessons learned has resulted in little to no impact after these lessons were successfully incorporated within the first several months of the pandemic. This presentation will discuss industry lessons learned with specific emphasis on actions taken within the radiation protection organization. This will include how leveraging technology and optimized social distancing efforts, and how CDC recommendations are implemented as our understanding and defenses evolve. The nuclear industry maintains its uncompromised dedication to providing clean, reliable, carbon-free energy while striving to build on its reputation for being the global leaders in safety.
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THAM-A.5
09:00 Real-time Quantification of Primary Coolant Isotopics using Permanent Mount CZT Spectrometers DI Goodman*, H3D, Inc.
; W Wang, H3D, Inc.; WR Kaye, H3D, Inc.
Abstract: Nuclear power plants measure primary coolant isotopics by continually drawing and measuring aliquots of water in a counting lab. This sampling regimen is both time consuming and expensive, requiring employees to continually enter controlled areas. Directly mounting spectrometers on to plant piping represents a fundamentally different, labor-and-dose saving approach to measure coolant isotopics. High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, representing the “gold-standard” in spectroscopy, are traditionally used for quantitative analysis of pipe gamma-ray spectra. However, the expense and logistical complexities inherent to using a cryogenic detector, cooled using either a Stirling cooler or liquid nitrogen, makes practical, in-field measurements difficult. High-resolution, room-temperature CZT detectors represent a fieldable alternative for in-field measurements of primary coolant isotopics. Primary coolant isotopics during the final refueling outage of Palisades Nuclear Power plant were continuously monitored using a fleet of CZT detectors. Primary coolant isotopics during the CRUD burst and hydrazine add are discussed with particular emphasis on hard-to-measure isotopes like Ag-110m. The surprisingly large impact of Ag-110m on plant dose, which is difficult to measure using traditional plant chemistry, is discussed in detail.
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THAM-A.6
09:15 Getting to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions BS Pell*, Duke Energy
Abstract: Duke Energy has approximately 51,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Carolinas, the Midwest and Florida – and natural gas distribution services serving more than 1.6 million customers in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, providing electricity to 7.7 million retail customers in six states. Like many similar companies, Duke Energy operates a variety of power generating facilities, including nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, coal-fired, gas-fired, and fuel oil. This presentation describes how Duke Energy intends to get to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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THAM-A.7
09:30 Net-Zero Carbon Emissions and Base Power Challenges BS Pell*, Duke Energy
Abstract: The February 2021 Winter Storm Uri took out the electric power generating ability for the state of Texas. According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, wind power accounts for 20% of the state’s electricity, with solar and hydroelectric accounting for another 1.2%. In California, blackouts occurred during 2020 when power generation was crippled due to a lack of wind and sun combined with shutdowns of base power fossil fuel plans. While construction on the Vogtle AP1000 nuclear plants is still progressing, the V.C. Summer AP1000 projects have been shut down. In this presentation, alternatives to base power generation that are carbon free are examined and the barriers, both legislative and cultural, are discussed in order identify realistic goals for net-zero carbon emissions.
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