International Safeguards In The Design Of Nuclear Reactors

This publication is the second in the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series to provide guidance on the inclusion of safeguards in nuclear facility design and construction. It is principally intended for designers and operators of nuclear reactor facilities; however, vendors, national authorities and financial backers can also benefit from the information provided. It is introductory rather than comprehensive in nature, complementing the Guidance for States Implementing Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols, IAEA Services Series No. 21, and other publications in that series. The publication complements the general considerations addressed in International Safeguards in Nuclear Facility Design and Construction, IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NP-T-2.8.

This report presents guidelines to the designers of water cooled power reactors which will minimize the impact of IAEA safeguards on plant operations and ensure efficient and effective acquisition of safeguards data to the mutual benefit of the Member State, the plant operator and the IAEA. These guidelines incorporate the IAEA's experience in establishing and carrying out safeguards at currently operating nuclear power plants, the ongoing development of safeguards techniques and the feedback of experience from plant operators and designers on the impact of IAEA safeguards on plant operation.

This publication is part of a series that aims to inform nuclear facility designers, vendors, operators and State governments about IAEA safeguards and how associated requirements can be considered early in the design phase of a new nuclear facility. This particular publication is applicable to the design and construction of commercial uranium enrichment plants. Safeguards by design dialogue undertaken early in the design and construction of enrichment plants facilitates the implementation of safeguards throughout all the life cycle stages of the facility. The potential to reduce costs, avoid retrofits and achieve efficiencies, both for the operator and for IAEA Member States, are important drivers for the early consideration of safeguards in a nuclear facility design project.

This publication is the fifth in the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series to provide guidance on the inclusion of safeguards in nuclear facility design and construction. It is principally intended for designers and operators of facilities for long term spent fuel management; however, vendors, national authorities and financial backers can also benefit from the information provided. The publication complements the general considerations addressed in International Safeguards in Nuclear Facility Design and Construction, IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NP-T-2.8.

Reactor Safeguards focuses on the measures and approaches in the safeguard of reactors. The book first discusses the development of nuclear reactors, including the emergence of radiation hazards, construction of nuclear reactors in Chicago, and containment of reactors. The text also focuses on radioactive materials; reactor kinetics; and control and safety systems of reactors. The text discusses the containment of nuclear reactors. Topics include nuclear excursions; combustion of reactor materials; melting of reactor fuels; design of containment structures; and size of breaks or leaks in cooling systems. The text also describes the dispersion of radioactive materials, including problems in operations, diffusion theory, and nomograms for graphical solutions. The book also highlights the possible damages that a nuclear reactor accident can produce. Considerations include the permissible dose of radiation, exposure to nuclear radiations, and evacuation from a contaminated area. The text is a valuable source of data for readers, engineers, and physicists who are responsible in hazard analysis and site selection.