Find Reliable Containment Dome Specs for Amending 10 CFR 73 - Expert Suggestions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the specifications of containment domes in the context of amending 10 CFR 73. Participants are seeking reliable data on the overpressure capabilities of these structures, particularly in relation to regulatory compliance and safety standards.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is looking for information on containment dome specifications, specifically regarding their ability to withstand a 16 psig overpressure, and questions the sensitivity of this data.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the request, asking for specifics about which part of 10 CFR 73 is being referenced and whether the discussion pertains to Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) or Boiling Water Reactors (BWR).
  • Concerns are raised about the definition of "overpressure," with a suggestion that the term may refer to external pressure rather than internal, as containment structures are designed for much higher internal pressures.
  • Reference is made to the ASME code, indicating that containment buildings should handle around 45 psig (approximately 4 bar or 60 psia), with some suggesting that they could withstand pressures up to 10 bar before leaking.
  • Historical context is provided regarding the Three Mile Island accident, where a 2 bar overpressure due to a hydrogen burn was noted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specific overpressure ratings for containment domes, with some suggesting values around 4 bar while others propose higher thresholds. There is no consensus on the exact specifications or the interpretation of "overpressure."

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential unavailability of individual plant safety analysis reports (SARs) and the removal of certain documents from public access post-9/11, which may limit the availability of reliable data.

tehfrr
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Does anyone know where I can find some info on (U.S.) containment dome specs? We are studying a petition to ammend 10 CFR 73, and I am trying to make the point that a containment dome can withstand a 16 psig overpressure. After several hours of searching (including nrc.gov), I could only find two articles that mentioned containment is designed to accommodate overpressures of about 50 psia. Both articles are not really worthy of citation though. Is this considered sensitive data? And if so, any idea of somewhere reputable I could at least get a ballpark figure?
 
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tehfrr said:
Does anyone know where I can find some info on (U.S.) containment dome specs? We are studying a petition to ammend 10 CFR 73, and I am trying to make the point that a containment dome can withstand a 16 psig overpressure. After several hours of searching (including nrc.gov), I could only find two articles that mentioned containment is designed to accommodate overpressures of about 50 psia. Both articles are not really worthy of citation though. Is this considered sensitive data? And if so, any idea of somewhere reputable I could at least get a ballpark figure?

I'm unclear on your request. I will try to help out if you can clarify your request for me.

Exactly what part of 10CFR73 are you looking at?
Are you referring to a PWR or BWR containment?
What do your mean by "16 psig overpressure"? It almost sounds like you are talking external pressure since by desgin, containments can handle internal pressures of much greater than 16 psig. Are you referring to "overpressure" as it refers to ECCS NPSH?

I think the NRC has removed individual plant safety analysis reports (SARs) from the web page after 9/11/01 but I will take a look around. Many plant's technical specifications are still on the NRC web page and usually give a containment design pressure for LOCA.
 
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ASME code
Section III, Division 2: Code for Concrete Reactor Vessels and Containments

As I understand it, the containment building should be able to handle about 45 psig (or about 4 bar (60 psia)).

See - http://www.fas.org/sgp/othergov/doe/lanl/lib-www/la-pubs/00416679.pdf - which mentions 4 bar.

On the other hand, a containment building should probably be able to handle about 10 bar of pressure - before leaking. Actual rupture should take a bit more, perhaps about 12 bar.
 
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Astronuc said:
ASME code
Section III, Division 2: Code for Concrete Reactor Vessels and Containments

As I understand it, the containment building should be able to handle about 45 psig (or about 4 bar (60 psia)).

See - http://www.fas.org/sgp/othergov/doe/lanl/lib-www/la-pubs/00416679.pdf - which mentions 4 bar.
Astronuc,

Yes - the nominal overpressure for a containment dome is about 4 bar.

As I recall - there was a 2 bar overpressure due to a hydrogen burn during the
Three Mile Island accident.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist