[en] The decontamination techniques summarized in this article represent a variety of surface cleaning methods developed or adapted for component and facility-type decontamination applications ranging from small hand tools to reactor cavities and other large surface areas. Representative nonchemical decontamination techniques include: ultrasonics, abrasive cleaning, high-pressure Freon cleaning, and vibratory finishing

[en] The source of radioactive contamination in various types of power reactors is discussed. The methods of chemical decontamination vary with the manner in which the radioactive contaminants are deposited on the surface. Two types of dilute decontamination systems are available. One system uses organic acids and chelating agents, which are mildly reducing in nature. In this process, the oxide contaminants are removed by simple acidic dissolution and reductive dissolution. The second type of decontamination process is based on low oxidation state metal ions, which are more strongly reducing and do not require a corrosion inhibitor. All processes commercially available for decontamination of power reactors are not detailed here, but a few key issues to be considered in the selection of a process are highlighted. 2 figures, 2 tables

[en] The author shares some information relative to what has been reported about the production reactors at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Plant. His perspective comes from serving as a member of the Reactor Safety Advisory Committee for the Savannah River Plant reactors. It is his hope that as an independent individual who has been involved for many years in national nuclear safety matters, he might provide some objectivity to several of the issues. Much has been said recently about several safety-related matters, including a large reactivity anomaly, a power surge, and an alleged coverup of reactor incidents at Savannah River. He discusses these from his perspective as chairman of a subcommittee that investigated the first two matters and from some knowledge of the last

[en] A list of refueling and maintenance outages at US nuclear power plants scheduled for the December 1985 through December 1986 period covers information on planned dates for the outages, major activities scheduled, critical path activities, planned coast downs, and operating cycle length. Utilities vary in whether they compute their operating cycles from startup to startup, startup to shutdown, or shutdown to shutdown. This means that operating cycle information is not always comparable. The information also varies in the degree to which routine inspection and maintenance activities are included

[en] An analysis of the Soviet report on the accident at the Chernobyl unit 4 in April of 1986 examines the poorly conceived experiment, the human errors, and the lack of safety measures which contributed to the accident. The author reviews the sequence of events as presented by the Soviets at an international meeting, then summarizes the nature, motivation, and consequences of the most dangerous safety violations of operating procedures. The Soviets also admitted to some design features and plans to perform modifications of other reactors. The author also described the cleanup activities, efforts to cover the core and extinguish the fire, and the radiation effects to date. 2 figures, 2 tables

[en] Technical specifications, which define the operational limits and conditions within which a nuclear power plant must be kept, have dramatically increased in volume and complexity to the extent that computerized systems have been developed for their storage and retrieval. The state of the art systems encompass a number of capabilities including: tracking and scheduling routine surveillance, listing test procedures, keeping records of test history, tracking operability of components and systems, and comparing with equipment required by the LCO's (limiting condition for operation) and notification when an LCO is entered, its description, and the status of time deadlines. Other technical capabilities, advantages in speed applications to risk assessment, and accuracy, and expectations for implementation are discussed

[en] Duke Power Company is unique in its personnel training for its nuclear power plants because the company designs, builds, and operates its own plants, an approach it carries over into its training program. The training program was the first to be accredited by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Duke's commitment to training dates from 1967, which predates the Three Mile Island accident by 12 years. A 50-week basic program for nonlicensed operators is for those with no or little nuclear experience. The author describes the history of the program, the accreditation process, and efforts to make the training program accountable through evaluation feedback

[en] Joseph R. Impellizeri, in charge of quality control at the Millstone-1 reactor finds his work requires interpersonal skills as well as technical expertise. The author notes the difference between quality control, which involves the first level of inspection of workmanship and materials for compliance with requirements and the first level review of documents, and quality assurance, which reviews the quality system to see that there are proper procedures and paperwork. Quality control (QC) at Millstone covers inspections, corrective maintenance, and system design changes. Rapport with personnel is essential. Impellizeri must also have level III certification to perform mechanical and electrical installations in order to perform during outages. His activities also include planning for inspections and outages

[en] For the past decade, the demand for health physics personnel, at both the professional and technical levels, has been increasing, and indeed has become quite acute in recent years. The need for health physics personnel is demonstrated by a summary of projected requirements and potential candidates by the year 1991. Suggestions made for ensuring the availability of qualified health physics personnel includes: 1) a characterization study of health physicists should be conducted, with emphasis on industry, to determine qualifications, job satisfaction factors, and other data pertinent to entry and retention in the field; 2) the curricula currently offered by post-secondary schools should be evaluated for quality and relevance; and 3) an industry standard or protocol for qualification and training of health physics should be developed and implemented

[en] The establishment and growth of the Electric Power Research Institute since 1973 is discussed. Topical sections include: 1) beginnings and structure; 2) EPRI's changing role; 3) research planning; 4) the Nuclear Division with its two major departments, Engineering and Operations, and Safety and Analysis; 5) technology transfer; and 6) the Energy Study center