A passive containment system for advanced light-water reactors

The passive containment system (PCS) provides a generic approach in the design and construction of dedicated engineered safety features for light-water reactors based on alternate functional principles. The features are applicable to boiling- and pressurized-water reactors for all design power ranges and provide improved protection for the plant, personnel, and public against all accidents assumed by industry. The PCS is designed to utilize the natural laws of thermodynamics and physics in its dedicated safety-related functions. Its features are designed to function inherently to prevent and contain the release of energy and radioactivity. The PCS is designed to provide complete containment for all adverse incidents, including design-basis accidents and postulated transients. The engineered safety features are designed to provide a zero source term. 16 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs