Code Requirements for Fuel Handling Equipment at Nuclear Power Plant

• Published in: Journal of nuclear fuel cycle and waste technology (Online) Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 119 - 126
• Main Authors: Chang, Sang-Gyoon, Kang, Tae-Kyo, Kim, Jong-Min, Jung, Jong-Pil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: 1; Fuel handling equipment; Fuel handling; ANSI/ANS-57; Refueling
• ISSN: 1738-1894; 2288-5471

This study provides technical information about the nuclear fuel handling process, which consists of various subprocesses starting from new fuel receipt to spent fuel shipment at a nuclear power plant and the design requirements of fuel handling equipment. The fuel handling system is an integrated system of equipment, tools, and procedures that allow refueling, handling and storage of fuel assemblies, which comprise the fuel handling process. The understanding and reaffirming of detailed code requirements are requested for application to the design of the fuel handling and storage facility. We reviewed the design requirements of the fuel handling equipment for its adequate cooling, prevention of criticality, its operability and maintainability, and for the prevention of fuel damage and radiological release. Furthermore, we discussed additional technical issues related to upgrading the current code requirements based on the modification of the fuel handling equipment. The suggested information provided in this paper would be beneficial to enhance the safety and the reliability of the fuel handling equipment during the handling of new and spent fuel.