HTGR Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Safety design features for current UK advanced gas-cooled reactors

Yellowlees, J.M.; Cobb, E.C. (Nuclear Power Co. (Risley) Ltd. (UK))

Abstract

The nuclear power stations planned for Heysham II and Torness will each have twin 660 MW(e) Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR) based on the design of those which have been operating at Hinkley Point 'B' and Hunterston 'B' since 1976. This paper has described the way in which the shutdown and cooling systems for the Heysham II and Torness AGRs have been selected in order to meet current UK safety requirements. Fault tree analyses have been used to identify the credible fault sequences, the probabilities of which have been calculated. By this means the relative importance of the various protective systems has been established and redundancy and reliability requirements identified. This systematic approach has led to a balanced design giving protection over the complete spectrum of fault sequences. Current safety requirements for thermal reactors in the UK and particular requirements in the design of the Heysham II and Torness reactors are discussed.

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key words: diagrams; flowsheets; heysham-b reactor; licensing regulations; nuclear power plants; reactor accidents; reactor safety; reactor shutdown; risk analysis; specifications; united kingdom; accidents; agr type reactors; carbon dioxide cooled reactors; enriched uranium reactors; gas cooled reactors; graphite moderated reactors; law; nuclear facilities; power plants; power reactors; reactors; regulations; safety; thermal power plants; thermal reactors
Reference:
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria). International Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors. Specialists meeting on gas-cooled reactor safety and licensing aspects, Lausanne, Switzerland, 1-3 September 1980. Summary report. Jan 1981
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria). International Working Group on High-Temperature Reactors.
IWGGCR--1, pp:191-198