Emergency Action Level Study in Reprocessing Facility

Abstract The safety characteristics and potential hazards of reprocessing facilities are different from those of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Emergency action level (EAL) development is an important aspect of emergency preparedness, and EAL is an important basis for emergency response of reprocessing facilities. EAL quantitative research can enhance its operability. At present, the domestic and foreign literature, generally only gave the principle method for EAL development. There are no operational guidance documents for specific EAL quantification in reprocessing facilities. According to the features of the functions and configurations of the reprocessing facilities, two additional categories EAL, E category for the spent fuel pool accident and W category for the high level liquid waste tank accident, have been added. Meanwhile, four categories-S, F, A, H are retained with similar implication as NPPs. On the basis of existing principles and practical experience, specially the reference from DOE G 151.1-1A, EAL quantification was developed according to the characteristics and symptoms related to the safety of reprocessing facilities. EAL quantification for several accidents was developed, and it was with good maneuverability. The study for EAL quantification in reprocessing facilities shows that, quantitative, indicative, practical EALs can make emergency response more accurate and efficient, and ongoing research is strongly requisite.