[en] The 29th Annual Conference of the Canadian Nuclear Society and 32nd CNS/CNA Student Conference on Sustainable Development through Nuclear Technology was held on June 1-4, 2008 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The theme of the conference was 'Nuclear Sustainability'. The central objective of this conference was to provide a forum for exchange of views on how this technical enterprise can best serve the needs of humanity, now and in the future. The renewed global interest in nuclear technology is based on a recognition of its potential to meet economic and environmental targets more favourably than competing technologies. Although many of these attractions are short-term in nature, they stem from a broader potential of nuclear technology to drive all aspects of development (social, environmental, economic) in a sustainable in this area. (author) a terial in support of fuel resources themselves. The conference drew a record attendance of over 450 delegates. Over 100 technical papers were presented within 15 technical sessions, as well as over 30 student papers in 5 sessions. The following list of session titles indicates the diversity of the technical papers: advanced reactors; plant and components; process systems; thermalhydraulics; safety and licensing; hydrogen; human factors; physics; instrumentation and control; environment and waste management; and plant operation. (author)

[en] This paper discusses the recycling of nuclear fuels. The strategy involves a separation facility to recover usable materials from single-pass used fuel and fast reactor recycle facility to recycle fast reactor used fuel. Advantages of such systems and the resulting waste streams are discussed

[en] Research and development activities in Canada on fission product release and fuel behaviour during normal and reactor accident conditions is outlined in support of industry and regulatory requirements. An overview of key mechanisms and phenomena identified which impact the fission product release behaviour highlighting the contribution of Canadian research is reviewed. The structure of the research program, target research areas as well as the available facilities in Canada is also described. (author)

[en] This paper discusses sustainable development which in a broad sense incorporates three dimensions: economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare. The challenge for sustainable development is to address these three dimensions in a balanced way

[en] Currently the industry is facing refurbishment and new builds. At present most licensees in Canada do not have sufficient numbers of Human Factors staff. As a result, the activities of the CNSC are too often focused on providing guidance regarding the application of Human Factors, in addition to reviewing work submitted by the licensee. Greater efficiencies for both the licensee and the CNSC could be realized if licensee staff had greater Human Factors expertise. Strategies for developing Human Factors expertise should be explored through cooperative partnerships with universities, which could be encouraged to include Human Factors courses specific to nuclear. (author)

[en] Quantifying the deposit loading on the outside diameter of steam generator tubing provides valuable input to a long-term asset management model of the secondary plant. AREVA's steam generator deposit mapping uses data from the eddy current testing (ECT) method to quantify this deposit loading. Analysis of the raw data enables construction of 3-dimensional and/or time-varying models that help estimate heat transfer loss and project future deposit loading. This paper presents one approach to a systematic program of deposit mapping using plant-specific reference standards and 3-dimensional modeling software to assess and project the deposit loading condition of steam generators. (author)

[en] This paper discusses the implementation of Adaptive Phased Management (APM) for Canada's used nuclear fuel. APM is a combination of technology and management system. The technology involves centralized containment and isolation in deep geological repository in a suitable rock formation, as well as shallow storage where used fuel remains retrievable. In both cases there is continuous monitoring. The management system consists of public engagement, phased decision-making, continuous learning and adaption, open and inclusive. Finally, it involves seeking an in formed willing host community

[en] The renaissance of nuclear industry in Canada and worldwide comes with increasing safety concerns, requirements and regulations. This paper focuses on the study and analysis of IEC 61508 safety standard and its applications in Canadian nuclear industries. Identifying and detailed analysis of the IEC 61508 safety standard in this paper enables a clear mapping of the standard guidelines and Canadian safety requirements. The main purpose of this paper is to enable the nuclear industries in Canada to gain a nuclear-specific scope and understanding of the standard in order to better apply this standard in their industrial procedures. (author)

[en] This paper describes, from a contractor's perspective, the practical aspects of incorporating HF requirements into design changes at nuclear facilities. It is based on the experience of HF personnel at SNC-Lavalin Nuclear, the largest private nuclear engineering company in Canada, during several projects that required HF analysis based on CNSC and NUREG regulatory guidance (G-276, G-278, NUREG-0711). The paper presents examples of practical considerations and challenges encountered, approaches taken, and lessons learned. By providing insight into the HF process within a contractor's organization, it helps other stakeholders better assess their role in expediting HF work in the future. (author)

[en] Over the last 3 decades there have been many changes in the operating culture of nuclear power plants. One of the main thrusts of these changes has been to move away from an early model where there was heavy reliance on trained and experienced personnel with free reign to do the right thing, towards a newer model relying on strict adherence to prescribed procedures and processes. This paper will discuss how some of these changes have taken place and briefly consider at what point the correct balance between these models is achieved. This paper is based solely on the experience of the author who has spent twenty years as a licensed control room supervisor. The reader may view this paper as more of an opinion piece than a typical scientific paper. (author)