Reactor scram due to inadvertent opening of multiple safety relief valves

In summary: Designing a failsafe measure for the safety systems that prevents them from opening without a signal is a good idea, but it's not the most effective solution. Redundant systems or systems that will activate automatically in the event of a problem are better options.
  • #1
d01100001
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I'm an engineering physics student writing a mock proposal for a class. I've based the proposal on a specific company that builds reactors and trains personnel for navy vessels and off of this article: http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/nerliste.aspx?id=11724

Essentially it says that during a simulation, the safety release valves were mistakenly open causing a blowback of coolant into the reactor.

My question is, in the hypothetical situation wherein this was less of a random "oops" and more of a probable mistake, what would the best course of action be to rectify the situation?

I have proposed a control module to override the functions of the safety release valves. Would this be the most cost-effective route?

Thank you for any and all help!
 
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  • #2
d01100001 said:
I'm an engineering physics student writing a mock proposal for a class. I've based the proposal on a specific company that builds reactors and trains personnel for navy vessels and off of this article: http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/nerliste.aspx?id=11724

Essentially it says that during a simulation, the safety release valves were mistakenly open causing a blowback of coolant into the reactor.

My question is, in the hypothetical situation wherein this was less of a random "oops" and more of a probable mistake, what would the best course of action be to rectify the situation?

I have proposed a control module to override the functions of the safety release valves. Would this be the most cost-effective route?

Thank you for any and all help!

It sounds like from the description in your link that the problem was caused by preventable human error. Overriding the function of safety valves sounds like a dangerous bad idea. A better idea would be to increase worker training and procedures to ensure this type of accident doesn't occur in the future. This would avoid the extremely time consuming and costly measure of having to redesign and reanalyze the entire plant's safety systems.
 
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  • #3
I agree with QuantumPion. Overriding the function of a safety system is not a good idea. Preventing inadvertent operation would be better, and that may simply require is better training.

Looking at the WNN article, it indicates that the event has an INES Rating = 1, which is the lowest level.
 
  • #4
Thank you for the input.

I'd like to add to the question now though...

I initially went with the retraining thought myself, but in this assignment I have to use a bit of poetic justice by making a couple of assumptions. First, I'm operating under the assumption that the problem is more significant than it is. And second, I must use a solution that involves a process relating to my studies, ie. engineering.

How about a redundant system or a failsafe measure for the "SEHR ADS" that would prevent the safety valves from opening without need?

Furthermore, as a points of argument on a somewhat wider scale:
While clearly this is a random, isolated mistake, and the low level of INES rating makes it sound like a miniscule threat, wouldn't the temp change described and the subsequent testing of the reactor cost a *great* deal of money? Possibly enough money to qualify an argument for concrete prevention of such a mistake?
The premise I'm hoping to convey in the proposal is one of the worth of prevention.
And though chasing after every source of human error is understandably naive of me, I'm using it analogously for the field of engineering as a whole...
 
  • #5
d01100001 said:
How about a redundant system or a failsafe measure for the "SEHR ADS" that would prevent the safety valves from opening without need?

Safety systems have no idea whether you really mean to activate them or not, they are just designed to work. The whole point of a fail-safe mechanism is that it always actuates if anything goes wrong, to protect the plant.

It sounds like in the description of that OE that the workers were testing the actuation signal for the SEHRS, but missed a step which prevented the real signal from occurring. Whatever override system you want to design is still flawed by the fact that this same type of human error could occur - i.e. forgetting to override a real signal during a test.
 

1. What is a reactor scram?

A reactor scram is an emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor. It is a safety mechanism that stops the nuclear reactions in the reactor and shuts down the power production.

2. How does the inadvertent opening of multiple safety relief valves lead to a reactor scram?

In a nuclear power plant, safety relief valves are designed to release excess steam or pressure in the reactor to prevent an explosion. If multiple valves open at the same time due to a malfunction or error, it can cause a rapid decrease in reactor pressure, triggering a reactor scram.

3. What are the potential consequences of a reactor scram?

The consequences of a reactor scram depend on the specific situation. In most cases, it is a precautionary measure that does not pose any risks to the public or the environment. However, if the reactor is in an unstable state, a scram can lead to an interruption in power production and potential damage to the reactor.

4. How do scientists and engineers prevent inadvertent opening of multiple safety relief valves?

To prevent the inadvertent opening of safety relief valves, scientists and engineers conduct regular maintenance and testing of the valves to ensure they are functioning properly. They also implement redundant safety systems and procedures to minimize the chances of a valve malfunction.

5. What is the protocol for responding to a reactor scram due to inadvertent opening of multiple safety relief valves?

In the event of a reactor scram, the trained emergency response team immediately assesses the situation and takes appropriate actions to stabilize the reactor. This may involve manually closing the safety relief valves and restarting the reactor once it is safe to do so. The incident is also reported to the appropriate regulatory agencies for further investigation and analysis.

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