Present status of PSA methodology development for MOX fuel fabrication facilities

Tamaki, Hitoshi ; Hamaguchi, Yoshikane; Yoshida, Kazuo ; Muramatsu, Ken

A PSA procedure for MOX fuel fabrication facilities is being developed at the JAERI. This procedure consists of four steps, which are hazard analysis, accident scenario analysis, frequency evaluation and consequence evaluation. The proposed procedure is characterized by the hazard analysis step. The Hazard analysis step consists of two sub-steps. In the first sub-step, a variety of functions of equipment composing the facility are analyzed to identify potential abnormal events exhaustively. In the second sub-step, these potential events are screened to select abnormal events by using a risk matrix based on the rough estimation of likelihood and maximum unmitigated release of radioactive material. One of the unique technical issues in this research is the estimation of likelihood of criticality event. A method is also proposed as a part of PSA procedure taking into consideration of failure of a computerized control system for MOX powder handling process. The applicability of the PSA procedure was demonstrated through the trial application of it to a model plant of MOX fuel fabrication facility.