French nuclear industry exportations: companies and organisations, achievements and projects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faudon, V.; Pailler, S.; Miniere, D.; Pouget-Abadie, X.; Journes, F.; Ouali, F.; Brochard, D.; Choho, T.; Lagarde, D.; Anglaret, P.; Kottman, G.; Mockly, D.; Ouzounian, G.; Cordier, P.Y.; Prenez, J.C.; Arpino, J.M.; Jaouen, C.; Jolly, B.

2013-01-01

This document gathers a series of short articles in which the following players: French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), Electricity of France (EdF), French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), AREVA, ALSTOM, the Association of French Nuclear Industry Exporters (AIFEN), the National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (ANDRA) and the French Society of Nuclear Energy (SFEN) present their competencies in their respective fields and their strategies and commercial offers for exports. 2 articles are dedicated to the achievements of the French nuclear industry in China and another details the cooperation between SFEN and its foreign counterparts. Another article briefly presents the EPR and ATMEA reactors. (A.C.)

Status of radioactivity monitoring in French Polynesia in 2011. Synthesis of the results from the IRSN's monitoring network

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bouisset, P.; Bernagout, S.; Leclerc, G.; Rua, J.; Delabbaye, P.; Cagnat, X.

2012-11-01

Radiological monitoring of the French environment is one of IRSN's permanent tasks as part of public policy on nuclear safety and radiological protection. It is helping to guarantee the best possible protection of the population. Exercised in Polynesia since 1962, this monitoring, which takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, HivaOa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagos, and consists of taking regular samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food...) with which the population may be in contact. Regarding food, the samples analyzed are representative of the diet of Polynesians living in the five archipelagos of that territory, and from the marine environment of the open sea, from the lagoon environment and from the terrestrial environment. Almost all samples are measured at the Laboratory for the Study and Monitoring of the Environment IRSN, based in Vairao on the island of Tahiti. The year 2011 was marked by the Fukushima nuclear accident, which occurred on March 11. In this context, IRSN conducted a strengthened monitoring of French Polynesia, thus confirming the absence of radiological impact in Caledonia and Polynesia. The results of analyzes have been published in the previous annual report (report DEI/SESURE 2011-40), this report does not include all data and results for the year 2011, but establishes a synthesis for this year. During the year 2011, results fall under the continuity of a regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates to primarily the 137 Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 μSv.y -1 (5 micro-sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 0,5 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1 000 μSv.y -1 ). (authors)

French case law and the use of nuclear energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hebert, Jean

1980-01-01

This Article which covers the most representative examples of French case-law in the nuclear field, analyses the cases involved and the relevant court decisions. It describes the evolution of the nuclear debate in France, the progressive constitution of anti-nuclear associations and their fight against nuclear energy development in the courts in the context of the licensing procedures for nuclear installations. The author analyses French law and the legal basis for the courts' decisions. (NEA) [fr

French public opinion and nuclear energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Le Ngoc, B.

2016-01-01

Since the beginning of the year French media have dealt with a lot of negative information concerning nuclear industry: the dire financial situation of AREVA, the questioning about the state of the pressure vessel of the Flamanville EPR or the EDF and Chinese investments in the british Hinkley point project. All these issues have impacted the opinion of the French people about nuclear energy: more people are against nuclear energy but nuclear accident appears to be only the tenth source of concern after unemployment (first) and terrorism. The debate about the energetic transition that will lead to the decrease of the nuclear share in the production of electricity marks the end of a political consensus in favour of the atom. Solar energy is the favorite energy source, more than 55% of the population wish solar energy to achieve a bigger share in the 15 next years while only 32% wish the same thing for wind energy. For most people nuclear energy appears to be necessary to complement renewable energies for at least the next 15-30 years. (A.C.)

Nuclear power: which industrial approach will preserve a French asset?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Machenaud, H.

2012-01-01

France's strategic decision in favor of nuclear energy in the 1970's has given rise to an organization of this industry with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all parties. This has led to the mastering of industrial production of the whole chain from mining to fuel reprocessing and to waste disposal. Nuclear safety was at any stage of the chain the priority number one. The French nuclear industry is present on the international scene and thus maintain its know-how and capacities despite the ups and downs of the nuclear market. Today 240.000 people work in France in the nuclear sector. France has followed a consistent energy policy during the last 50 years and benefits from an important and homogeneous fleet of reactors which has generated a rich feedback experience on reactor operation. The tasks that face the French nuclear industry are: -) to comply with the requirements of the Complementary Safety Assessments that have been performed on all French nuclear facilities, -) to maintain and upgrade the power plants (most of them are facing their 3. decennial overhaul), -) to prepare the nuclear systems of tomorrow, and -) to export the French know-how

The French nuclear program: national prospects, international cooperation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lacoste, A.; Joint-Lambert, V.; Breard, G.; Jolly, B.; Durret, L.F.; Capus, G.; Lebastard, G.; Ouzounian, G.; Bouteille, F.; Appell, B.; Peyran, J.C.; Monnet, F.; Caoul, A.

1998-01-01

This issue, with a foreword by Christian Pierret, the French Secretary of State of Industry, is bilingual (French/English). It gives a thorough overview of the French nuclear industry: present situation, expected evolutions; some typical cooperations with others countries throughout the world. It contains a leaflet in which advertisers give some information about their products and services. (author)

The French nuclear programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bacher, Pierre

1987-01-01

France has a civil nuclear power generation programme second only to the USA with 49 nuclear units in operation and 13 under construction. The units in service are described. These include 33 PWR 900 MW and 9 PWR 1300 MW units. The electricity consumption and generation in France is illustrated. The absence of a powerful anti-nuclear lobby and two main technical options have contributed to the success of the French nuclear programme. These are the PWR design and the plant standardization policy which allows the setting up of an effective industrial complex (eg for analysis of operating conditions and of safety and reliability information). The programme and the reasons for its success are reviewed. Research programmes and future plans are also discussed. (UK)

Electricity supplies in a French nuclear power station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As the operation of a nuclear power station requires a power supply system enabling this operation as well as the installation safety, this document describes how such systems are designed in the different French nuclear power stations to meet the requirements during a normal operation (when the station produces electricity) or when it is stopped, but also to ensure power supply to equipment ensuring safety functions during an incident or an accident occurring on the installation. More precisely, these safety functions are provided by two independent systems in the French nuclear power stations. Their operation is briefly described. Two different types of nuclear reactors are addressed: pressurised water reactors (PWR) of second generation, EPR (or PWR of third generation)

Progress of French nuclear programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pierrard, J.-H.

1981-02-01

The aims of the French nuclear programme launched in 1974 are briefly recalled to mind, as are the projects completed at the end of 1980. The operating results mentioned, particularly concern the new PWR units brought into commercial service in 1980 [fr

Monitoring around the secret nuclear facilities of naval ports

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jaskierowicz, D.; Quere, St.

2010-01-01

Based within large industrial cities (Brest, Toulon, Cherbourg) or more rural areas like Crozon (Ile Longue), French navy exploits nuclear facilities where are built, maintained and decommissioned nuclear power submarines and aircraft-carrier. The safety and the security of these installations as well as the non-impact on people and environment are continuously monitored. The DSND, a governmental regulatory body dedicated to the Defense, applies the same regulations enforced by the ASN for civilian nuclear activities. Concerning environmental monitoring, the navy answers to the DSND or the ASN, depending on the type of survey. In every nuclear site, an automatic nuclear monitoring sensor system (2SNM) runs 24/7, with the supervision of specialized personnel in radioprotection. Each year, more than 7000 samples are collected in the ecosystem and thousands of measurements are carried out in four laboratories (LASEM in Cherbourg, Brest and Toulon) - SPRS ILO) of the navy. These results are sent to the DSND and have been integrated since February 2010 to the brand-new public web site of the national monitoring network of radioactivity in the environment (RMN). (author)

Creation, organizing and development of the French nuclear documentation network

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vergnes, Gisele; Cheron, Christiane; Guilloux, Raymond

1974-01-01

This historical account covers the creation of the French nuclear documentation network, the preliminary research, aims, structures and first accomplishments of the Association Francaise de Documentation et d'Information Nucleaire (AFDIN) (French Association of Nuclear Documentation and Information) and its relations with the international system INIS [fr

The French Nuclear Safety Authority - ASN

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2013-01-01

The ASN (Nuclear Safety Authority) was created by the act of 13 June 2006 concerning the transparency and safety of nuclear activities. The ASN is an independent administrative body that is in charge of controlling nuclear activities in France. The ASN has a workforce of 471 people and a budget of about 76 millions euros. This article details its missions and how it is organized to cover all the French territory. (A.C.)

The French nuclear power programme and energy policy in France

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carle, R.

1988-01-01

After briefly describing the Chernobyl reactor accident and its consequences in Western Europe, especially its psychological effects, the French nuclear energy programme is presented in detail. The role of standardization and education as well as of construction time and cost is pointed out. Moreover, the results of the programme are given including extension of the capable French nuclear power industry, economical and ecological benefits. Future measures such as increase of the flexibility of nuclear power plants, improved fuel management, reduction of personnel radiation doses and employment of advanced reactors (the reactor system N4) will facilitate French efforts to free the country from mineral oil and coal imports. (author)

French people and nuclear wastes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

D'Iribarne, Ph.

2005-01-01

On March 21, 2005, the French minister of industry gave to the author of this document, the mission to shade a sociological light on the radioactive wastes perception by French people. The objective of this study was to supply an additional information before the laying down in 2006 of the decisions about the management of high-level and long-lived radioactive wastes. This inquiry, carried out between April 2004 and March 2005, stresses on the knowledge and doubts of the questioned people, on the vision they have of radioactive wastes and of their hazards, and on their opinion about the actors in concern (experts, nuclear companies, government, anti-nuclear groups, public). The last two parts of the report consider the different ways of waste management under study today, and the differences between the opinion of people living close to the Bure site and the opinion of people living in other regions. (J.S.)

Exchange of information between nuclear safety authorities: Policy of the French regulator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Asty, Michel

2000-01-01

Full text: The decree setting up the Nuclear Safety Authority in 1973 entrusted it with international assignments whose objectives are still valid: - develop exchanges of information with foreign counterparts on regulatory systems and practices, on problems encountered in the nuclear safety field and on provisions made, with a view to enhancing its approach, and - becoming better acquainted with the actual operating practice of these Safety Authorities from which lessons could be learned for its own working procedures; - improving its position in the technical discussions with the French operators, since its arguments would be strengthened by practical knowledge of conditions abroad; - make known and explain the French approach and practices in the nuclear safety field and provide information on measures taken to deal with the problems encountered. This approach has several objectives: - promote the circulation of information on French positions on certain issues, such as very low level waste, for instance; - assist some countries wishing to create or modify their Nuclear Safety Authority, such as countries of the former USSR, the Central and Eastern European countries, and emerging countries on other continents; - help, when requested, foreign Safety Authorities required to issue permits for nuclear equipment of French origin; - provide the countries concerned with all relevant information on French nuclear installations located near their frontiers. Examples are given on the way the French Nuclear Safety Authority implements these objectives. (author)

The future of the French civil nuclear sector. Report synthesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2010-01-01

Considering the evolution of the French civil nuclear industry by 2030, this study examines its different dimensions: energy policy, safety and security of uranium supplies, nuclear competitiveness, environmental and safety issues, public acceptance, consequences of non proliferation international and French policies, industrial, human and research capacities, and so on. Thus, this report presents the actors involved in the French civil nuclear sector, gives an overview of the reactor market, highlights the main aspects of the fuel cycle and of the waste management, stresses the need of a new organisation for this sector to face the domestic as well as the international challenges. It discusses the possible ways for a wider financing and a higher competitiveness. It identifies new means for an ambitious civil nuclear policy. Fifteen recommendations are proposed

the french nuclear bet: political history of the main decisions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taccoen, L.

2003-01-01

The double french nuclear bet was an ultimate political choice of an old nation which did not wanted to renounce its glamour. but the world had changed. Is it always possible to conceive a national energy policy, knowing that the french military nuclear strategy is opposed to the rules of the next International Penal Court? (A.L.B.)

Nuclear safety and human factors: the French factory of expertise

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rolina, G.

2009-01-01

The French regulation of the nuclear safety is based on the maintaining of a deep technical dialogue between the nuclear safety authority, the I.R.S.N. (Institute of radiation protection and nuclear safety) and the nuclear operators. This type of risk management is called 'french coking' by the Anglo-Saxons, followers of stricter regulatory approach, more readable by the civil society. This technical dialogue is not without quality, especially in the field of human and organizational factors where it allows to improve the know how situation that stays incomplete. (N.C.)

French nuclear dissuasion after the cold war: continuity, ruptures, questions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tertrais, B.

2000-01-01

Nuclear dissuasion is a slow and permanent process of adjustment to the strategic environment. French dissuasion adaptation to the new international environment covers a full decade, starting in the 1989-1992 era with a re-evaluation of defense programs. It has been followed by the 1994 defense white book which opens up the European perspective and reaches its peak in 1996 with a series of major decisions: renouncement of surface-to-surface missiles, launching of the M51 program, end of nuclear tests and shift towards simulation, dismantling of fissile materials production facilities etc. This process shows up two logics: the one of continuity with the confirmation of the bases of the French nuclear doctrine, and the one of discontinuity with significant changes in the general domain of the French nuclear policy. It also opens up questions about the field of application of dissuasion and the future of the nuclear consensus. (J.S.)

French effort in field NDT nuclear plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saglio, R.

1983-12-01

For the in-service inspection of nuclear generating stations, the French Atomic Commission has built up a program first to increase the defect detection probability, secondly to increase the reliability and recently to improve the characterization of defects. Focused Ultrasound and multiple frequency eddy current techniques, developped by French Atomic Energy Commission are well known. In this paper we will present the latest developments made in relation with defect characterization

The French electromechanical industry in the nuclear sector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barrau, M. de.

1981-02-01

A brief paper recounting the extensive changes brought about in electromechanics further to the implementation of the large French nuclear programme and the experience that its implementation has given to this industry, in particular at ALSTHOM-ATLANTIQUE, the only French manufacturer of high power turbo-generating units rated among the big world manufacturers [fr

Status of 2009 radioactivity monitoring in French Polynesia. Results of IRSN's monitoring network

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2010-01-01

Radiological monitoring of the French environment is one of IRSN's permanent tasks as part of public policy on nuclear safety and radiological protection. It is helping to guarantee the best possible protection of the population. Exercised in Polynesia since 1962, this monitoring, which takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagoes, consists in regularly collecting samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food...) with which the population may be in contact. Regarding food, the samples analyzed are representative of the diet of Polynesians living in the five archipelagoes of that territory. They come from the marine environment of the open sea, from the marine lagoon environment and from the terrestrial environment. Almost all samples are measured at the IRSN Laboratory for the Environment Study and Monitoring, based in Vairao, Tahiti Island. The 239 samples collected in 2009 were measured by Hp-Ge low background gamma spectrometry in order to be able to characterize lowest possible radioactivity levels. The levels of activity of Pu isotopes have also been determined for 17 selected samples and tritium activities for 15 water samples. The results for the year 2009 are in the continuity of a regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates to primarily the 137 Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 μSv.y -1 (5 micro Sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 0, 5 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1000 μSv.y -1 ). (authors)

The Creation of a French Basic Nuclear Installation - Description of the Regulatory Process - 13293

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mahe, Carole [CEA Marcoule - BP17171 - 30207 Bagnols-Sur-Ceze (France); Leroy, Christine [CEA Cadarache - 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance (France)

2013-07-01

CEA is a French government-funded technological research organization. It has to build a medium-level waste interim storage facility because the geological repository will not be available until 2025. This interim storage facility, called DIADEM, has to be available in 2017. These wastes are coming from the research facilities for spent fuel reprocessing and the dismantling of the most radioactive parts of nuclear facilities. The CEA handles the waste management by inventorying the needs and updating them regularly. The conception of the facility is mainly based on this inventory. It provides quantity and characteristics of wastes and it gives the production schedule until 2035. Beyond mass and volume, main characteristics of these radioactive wastes are chemical nature, radioisotopes, radioactivity, radiation dose, the heat emitted, corrosive or explosive gas production, etc. These characteristics provide information to study the repository safety. DIADEM mainly consists of a concrete cell, isolated from the outside, wherein stainless steel welded containers are stored, stacked in a vertical position in the racks. DIADEM is scheduled to store three types of 8 mm-thick, stainless steel cylindrical containers with an outside diameter 498 mm and height from 620 to 2120 mm. DIADEM will be a basic nuclear installation (INB in French) because of overall activity of radioactive substances stored. The creation of a French basic nuclear installation is subject to authorization according to the French law No. 2006-686 of 13 June 2006 on Transparency and Security in the Nuclear Field. The authorization takes into account the technical and financial capacities of the licensee which must allow him to conduct his project in compliance with these interests, especially to cover the costs of decommissioning the installation and conduct remediation work, and to monitor and maintain its location site or, for radioactive waste disposal installations, to cover the definitive shut

The Creation of a French Basic Nuclear Installation - Description of the Regulatory Process - 13293

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahe, Carole; Leroy, Christine

2013-01-01

CEA is a French government-funded technological research organization. It has to build a medium-level waste interim storage facility because the geological repository will not be available until 2025. This interim storage facility, called DIADEM, has to be available in 2017. These wastes are coming from the research facilities for spent fuel reprocessing and the dismantling of the most radioactive parts of nuclear facilities. The CEA handles the waste management by inventorying the needs and updating them regularly. The conception of the facility is mainly based on this inventory. It provides quantity and characteristics of wastes and it gives the production schedule until 2035. Beyond mass and volume, main characteristics of these radioactive wastes are chemical nature, radioisotopes, radioactivity, radiation dose, the heat emitted, corrosive or explosive gas production, etc. These characteristics provide information to study the repository safety. DIADEM mainly consists of a concrete cell, isolated from the outside, wherein stainless steel welded containers are stored, stacked in a vertical position in the racks. DIADEM is scheduled to store three types of 8 mm-thick, stainless steel cylindrical containers with an outside diameter 498 mm and height from 620 to 2120 mm. DIADEM will be a basic nuclear installation (INB in French) because of overall activity of radioactive substances stored. The creation of a French basic nuclear installation is subject to authorization according to the French law No. 2006-686 of 13 June 2006 on Transparency and Security in the Nuclear Field. The authorization takes into account the technical and financial capacities of the licensee which must allow him to conduct his project in compliance with these interests, especially to cover the costs of decommissioning the installation and conduct remediation work, and to monitor and maintain its location site or, for radioactive waste disposal installations, to cover the definitive shut

Industrial aspects of nuclear energy: French experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lebreton, G.

1986-11-01

France decides to develop nuclear energy on a wide scale about 12 years ago. To cope with this ambitious program, the roles have been distributed within a very cohesive organization, as follows: EDF, the french national electricity utility is owner, prime contractor, and plant operator. The Atomic Energy Commission, CEA performs part of the research and development work, and supplies the necessary technical support to the safety authorities. A few leading industrial firms design and build the major parts of the nuclear power plants. Among them is Framatome, which is responsible for the design, manufacture, erection, and startup of nuclear steam supply systems (the NSSSs), and related auxiliaries. Alsthom is responsible for the supply of the turbine and its auxiliaries. It would not be proper to describe the French nuclear industry without focussing our attention on the care given to transfer of technology. Technology transfer agreements can take several forms, but local factors have to be taken into account. These forms are discussed in this paper. A typical and highly significant example (KNU 9-10 project) is given

Complementary safety assessments of the French nuclear power plants (European 'stress tests'). Report by the French nuclear safety authority - December 2011

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-12-01

After having recalled the organisation of nuclear safety and radiation protection regulation in France, presented the French nuclear safety regulations (acts, decrees, orders, ASN decisions, rules and guides), described the nuclear safety approach in France (the 'defense in depth' concept), and ASN's sanctions powers, this report presents the French approach to complementary safety assessments (CSAs) with their different types of specifications (those consistent with European specification, those broader than the European specifications, and those which take into account some situations resulting from a malevolent act), and with the different categories of facilities concerned by these CSAs. It presents the organisation of the targeted inspections and outlines the transparency of this action and public information. Then, after an overview of the French nuclear power plant fleet, it discusses how earthquakes, flooding, and other extreme natural phenomena related to flooding are taken into account in the design of facilities and in terms of evaluation of safety margins. It describes the consequences of some critical situations (loss of electrical power supplies and cooling systems) and how they could be dealt with. It also addresses the different aspects of a severe accident management (organisation, measures, and actions to be performed) and the conditions related to the use of outside contractors

Status of radioactivity monitoring in French Polynesia in 2010 and follow up of the Fukushima accident impact in French Polynesia and New Caledonia from March to May 2011

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bouisset, P.; Bernagout, S.; Leclerc, G.; Rua, J.; Delabbaye, P.; CAGNAT, X.; Jonhson, I.; Taputu, G.; Paeamara, H.; Tamarii, R.; Temarohirani, T.; Flores, T.

2012-01-01

Radiological monitoring of the French environment is one of IRSN's permanent tasks as part of public policy on nuclear safety and radiological protection. It is helping to guarantee the best possible protection of the population. Exercised in Polynesia since 1962, this monitoring, which takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagos, consists of taking regular samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food..) with which the population may be in contact. Regarding food, the samples analyzed are representative of the diet of Polynesians living in the five archipelagos of that territory, and from the marine environment of the open sea, marine and terrestrial lagoon. Almost all samples are measured at the Laboratory for the Study and Monitoring of the Environment IRSN, based in Vairao on the island of Tahiti. During the year 2010 results fall under the continuity of a regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates to primarily the 137 Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 μSv.y -1 (5 micro-Sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 0,5 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1 000 μSv.y -1 ). This 2010 report also includes the special monitoring engaged during spring 2011 to evaluate a possible radiological impact in French Polynesia and New-Caledonia territories due to the nuclear accident of Fukushima that occurred on March 11, 2011 (see chapter 5). (authors)

French-Finnish colloquium on safety of French and Russian type nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lukka, M.; Jaervinen, M.; Minkkinen, P.; Ukkola, A.; Levomaeki, L.

1994-01-01

The French-Finnish Colloquium on Safety of French and Russian Type Nuclear Power Plants was held in June, 14th - 16th, 1994, in Lappeenranta, Finland. The main topics of the colloquium were: VVER and RBMK reactors; Industrial safety studies for VVER's in FRAMATOME; Structural safety analysis of Ignalina NPP; Thermalhydraulic system (BETHSY) and analytical experiments for French NPP; Test facilities simulating VVER plants during accidents; PACTEL - facility for VVER thermal hydraulics; High burn-up fuel and reactivity accidents; Overview of severe accident research at Nuclear Protection and Safety Institute of CEA; Research of severe accidents in Finland; Review of main activities concerning computer codes used for VVER thermal-hydraulic safety analysis in OKB Gidropress; CATHARE code; APROS computer code, new developments; TRIO and TOLBIAC computer codes; ESTET and N3S softwares; HEXTRAN - 3D reactor dynamics code for VVER accident analysis; An overview the boron dilution issue in PWRs; Boron mixing transients in a 900 MW PWR vessel for a reactor start-up operation; and Problem of boric acid dilution in IVO

Forbidden love. A French position on the future of nuclear energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jaureguy-Naudin, Maite

2013-01-01

The French electricity supply system is based on nuclear energy, with three quarters of total electricity production originating from nuclear power plants. The sector has grown continuously over a period of 60 years. For a long time the realms of politics and science were in consensus about the use of nuclear energy for civil purposes, but now the French nuclear dogma is increasingly being called into question as a result of the disaster in Fukushima, the German decision to phase out nuclear energy and European energy policy in general. How will France shape its future energy policy given these altered framework conditions?

Would the re-structuration of the French nuclear industry be necessary?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Finon, D.

2011-04-01

In this paper we analyze the recent propositions to reorganize the French industry of reactors in view to increase its efficiency on the export markets. Based on a critic of the choices of reactor technologies offered to export market, the Roussely report published on June 2010 recommends to crown the French electricity utility as the leader of a so-called 'French team' and to let him free to negotiate the sale of reactor of any technology that it would prefer as a Gen-2 reactor for example, and to place the French nuclear reactor constructor in a position of sub-contractor. The government has not followed this recommendation rightly. Based on an analysis of the changing world market of reactors, we defuse the criticism addressed to Areva on his choice, as well as the recommendation to open the present catalog of reactors to other models. The analysis leads to underline the importance of Areva's technological and industrial resources and the limited advantages of the EDF's skills in matter of architect-engineering and nuclear operation for winning export contracts. At the end of the day the mercantile approach which motivates the promoters of this tentative reform for competing with entrants prosing low cost nuclear reactors has been disapproved by the government, and that before the Fukushima accidents. We conclude by observing that only a flexible coordination between French industrial players would be useful for improving export performances of the French nuclear industry. (author)

Nuclear transparency: the French example

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phuc Tran Dai

2016-01-01

In France nuclear industry is from far the industrial sector that has set the most numerous commissions that allow a dialogue with the public in order to favor transparency. There are 4 local structures of information: -)there are 38 Local Committees of Information (CLI) associated with nuclear facilities, -) the Information Committees (CI) associated with secret nuclear facilities, -) the Follow-up Committees (CSS) for facilities dedicated to the processing of wastes, and the Committees for the prevention of industrial pollution (SPPPI). These committees involve numerous actors: public service, industrialists, supervisory authorities, elected representatives, employee representatives, members of associations and residents living nearby. Since 2000, 10 national public hearings around the 'atom' have been organized by the CNDP (National Commission for Public Consultation). Most actors of the nuclear industry allow residents living nearby to visit their installations, EDF ranks 3 as the company most visited with 400.000 people a year. Following the nuclear example the French chemical industry progressively moves toward more transparency. (A.C.)

Population distribution around French nuclear sites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bastien, M.C.

1985-10-01

With the help of two files respectively from the Institut geographique national (IGN) containing the geographic reference of all cities in France, and from the Institut national de la statistique et des etudes economiques (INSEE) containing the population figures of the 1982 census, the distribution of the population around a geographic point can be determined according to a given grid. Tables of population distribution around the 30 french nuclear sites were obtained by this method; however, at a short distance from a site, a detailed local examination/survey/investigation is necessary. Data shall have to be collected to estimate the non-french population around frontier sites [fr

The struggle of the veterans of the French nuclear tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2005-01-01

The question debated in this article concerns the demand of compensation and recognition of the impact on their health of nuclear tests. The military personnel that worked during nuclear tests in French Polynesia and the Sahara sites, but also the inhabitants of the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa equally in French Polynesia. An observatory of the veterans health has been created in order to improve the medical management of military personnel and former military personnel. An association 'Moruroa e tatou' contains the Polynesian former workers of the Nuclear tests of the Pacific and the association A.V.E.N. contains the veterans of nuclear tests. numerous examples are detailed. The question is tackled too for the consequences on health of the British nuclear tests, in Australia, Christmas Islands, and New Zealand. (N.C.)

French nuclear harvest: abundant energy or bitter fruit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bupp, I.C.

1980-01-01

In France, the nuclear-development program is a high-priority objective of a strong, centralized government. The administrators responsible for its success can draw on concentrated fiscal and technical resources and are free to take decisive action. A major pillar of the entire French nuclear-development effort is the expectation of significant long-term export markets on all fronts: for nuclear power plants, uranium enrichment, and fuel reprocessing

Poisoned reign: French nuclear colonialism in the Pacific. Revised ed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Danielsson, Bengt; Danielsson, Marie-Therese.

1986-01-01

Since 1966, France has used Moruroa, a small atoll in the Pacific, as the testing site for its nuclear bombs - despite opposition from both the Polynesian people and nations throughout the world. Levels of radioactive fallout and sea contamination, and the extent of damage to Moruroa itself have remained a closely-guarded military secret. This book traces the history of French nuclear involvement in the Pacific and shows how the tests have been used to strengthen colonial rule in French Polynesia

The partnership with other nuclear industries is important for the French industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Le Ngoc, B.

2016-01-01

After the French bid for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (AE) failed in 2011, Assystem, a French engineering company decided to develop in the Middle-East and now has become one of the most important partners of KEPCO, the company in charge of constructing the Barakah plant in AE. In Turkey, Assystem has bought a Turkish enterprise to back the Franco-Japanese SINOP project and to initiate a partnership with Rosatom building the Akkuyu plant. Today Assystem has become an important player in nuclear industry and has been able to bring back to French nuclear industry its experience of different practices and know-how in international nuclear markets. Assystem employs 12.200 staff worldwide and realized a 908 Meuros turnover in 2015. (A.C.)

French administrative practice and design codes for nuclear vessels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roche, R.L.

1987-07-01

French regulations on boilers and pressure vessels have prevailed for a very long time, the first measure having been promulgated on 29 October 1823. Restraining the attention to nuclear pressure vessels it must be pointed out regulations and enforcement by public authorities are more stringent than they are for conventional pressure vessels. The first part of this paper will be devoted to regulations with a special attention to the decree of 26 February 1974 and to the practice of public authorities in this field with special attention given to the Bureau de Controle de la Construction Nucleaire (BCCN = Bureau of Inspection of Nuclear Design and Manufacturing). The second part of this paper will deal with the French construction codes for nuclear components RCC-M (water reactors) and RCC-MR (elevated temperature design)

Chemistry evaluation in French EDF Nuclear Power Plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jacquier, Hervé

2014-01-01

be made in the field of chemistry on French nuclear sites. The principal points of progress relate to the taking into account by the site management of the issues associated with plant chemistry, the implementation of chemistry engineering on site, working with the national engineering units. In the technical field, progress has been observed on the optimization of secondary chemistry and the limitation of pollution of the steam generators. Progress has also been observed on the maintenance of the primary circuit pH despite the operational variations of the units. On several sites the preservation of the plant during outages is improving as is the state of the demineralization plants. The state of the laboratories is improving and the monitoring of the maintenance and the calibration of the laboratory apparatus is reinforced. The evaluations by Nuclear Inspection are currently focused on the reinforcement of technical checks, management observations of the chemists when carrying out analyses and the management of the rules of use for chemical products on site. (author)

Seismic re-evaluation of French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andrieu, R.

1995-01-01

After a presentation of the seismic inputs which have been taken into account in the design of the French Nuclear Power Plants, the re-assessed values of these inputs are shown. Some considerations about the specificity of the French PWR program with regard to the standardisation of plants are given together with the present objectives of seismic re-evaluations. Finally the main results of the seismic re-analysis being performed for the Phenix Fast Reactor are considered. (author)

Nuclear power fleet replacement: an opportunity for the French energy mix? - 5044

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cany, C.; Mansilla, C.; Mathonniere, G.; Duquesnoy, T.; Baschwitz, A.; Da Costa, P.

2015-01-01

In France, 27% of the electricity is to be produced by renewable resources by 2020. This share is intended to grow up to 2050. The recent European agreement and the French 'energy transition law' will promote such a development. The French power system is characterized by high nuclear penetration and nuclear power is meant to remain a significant contributor in the medium and long term, as a low-carbon power source. More than half the French nuclear power fleet was installed in the late seventies / early eighties. Thus, the issue of its replacement is at the core of the French power mix issue. The objective of this paper is to provide some insights about the opportunity it enables for the energy mix. Two plausible replacement scenarios are developed and analyzed as regards to the energy cost provided by nuclear power. For a given target level of nuclear installed capacities, the penetration of non-dispatchable renewable energies with dispatch priority will increase the need for nuclear power modulation at reduced average load factor. The impact of modulation on the nuclear levelized cost of electricity is assessed, according to the considered replacement scenario and for different renewable and nuclear energy penetration scenarios. Results show that, according to the selected assumptions, implementing a progressive shut-down (based on an increased operation lifetime of Nuclear Power Plants) appears a relevant choice since it both provides a lowest power production cost even at reduced average load factor to participate to load following and allows the possibility of 'waiting' for choosing most sustainable technologies. (authors)

Assessment of the impacts of the french nuclear program on the environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naudet, G.

1991-01-01

The assessment of the impacts of the French nuclear program on atmosphere pollution is based on a macroeconomic long term model MELODY particularly detailed for the energy sector. The French energy strategy, characterized by its nuclear program, is compared with an alternative coal strategy based on coal-fired power plants. The coal strategy would have entailed different economic performances, a different energy balance, and, consequently, a different quality of air. For instance, by 1990, carbon emissions would have been 60% higher with the coal strategy; actually, they are 27% lower today than their 1973 level. The French nuclear program resulted both in a carbon emission reduction similar to the Toronto Conference target, and in a significant improvement of economic performances. 4 refs.; 10 figs.; 1 tab

Medical and sanitation activity of the Institute of Nuclear Safety and Protection of the French Commissariat a l'energie atomic after the Chernobyl' accident within the Soviet-French cooperation frameworks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nenot, J.C.; Pauli, E.

1990-01-01

The Institute of Nuclear Safety and Protection intends to help in surveillance of the population subjected to radiation effects, environmental monitoring around the Chernobyl' NPP, organization of works and observations dealing with radioecology. The program of two-side French-Soviet actions including assistance for physicians in professional patient treatments, medical assistant for children and families evacuated to Kiev

The yawning chasm of French nuclear power

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1988-01-01

The financial problems of the nuclear power industry in France are explained. Cogema, the waste reprocessing company ventured into the French financial futures market and lost money. It is trying to sue its brokers over this disaster. Framatome, the State reactor manufacturer is trying to diversify into aeronautics, electronics and foodstuffs. The electric utility EdF is sliding into debt and, with no price rise allowed, this situation will get worse. Theoretically EdF should be delivering cheap electricity from nuclear power stations. However, French electricity prices are not significantly cheaper than those of Germany and the United Kingdom. The generating capacity will increase greatly over the next few years. The availability of existing plants is also improving. In spite of efforts to export its electricity (about 10% is exported) EdF seem unable to make its extra electricity cheaper and is heavily in debt. The fast breeder programme has also not lived up to expectations due to a sodium leak at Superphenix. (U.K.)

The French nuclear context

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Havard, J.; Israel, M.

1977-01-01

The mean- and longer-range energy needs, that can be now forecasted in France, are analyzed, together with the special character of the French energy market. A resort to nuclear power is first shown to be necessary to limit the increase in the demand for imported fossil fuels, then this resort is shown to offer some real possibilities. The energy balance proves that the industrial stage of power plant construction is reached. The conditions of realization of the program have been settled with a set of provisions that render the risk and environmental impact as negligible as possible [fr

Raison d'etat and popular response: the resumption of French nuclear testing in the South Pacific

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wooler, Derek.

1995-01-01

This Current Issues Brief highlights the issues surrounding several aspects of resumed French nuclear testing series. The French perspective, and the nature of French nuclear weapons program, are discussed, as is the impact of test explosions on the ecology of the Mururoa test site. Also discussed are the development of testing, the pressures that have led to its resumption following the suspension in 1992 and the French position regarding the nuclear weapons control regime; the development of attitudes to French testing in regional countries and the response of their governments to the resumption; the scope for, and restrictions on, as well as the use of trade sanctions as a response in the regulatory environment under the World Trade Organisation. The two appendices give a summary of all known nuclear tests since 1945 as well as details of all French tests. 36 refs., 1 tab

French nuclear doctrine: in keeping with continuity and orthodoxy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sitt, Bernard

2012-09-01

Debate surrounding French nuclear doctrine was lively last July, and the noted opponents of the French deterrent, such as General Norlain and Paul Quiles, took the opportunity provided by the election of a new French President to speak out in favour of reviving the debate in favour of nuclear disarmament on the grounds that nuclear weapons have become ineffectual since the end of the Cold War, even though this argument was dealt with in detail in the White Paper on Defence publishing during the spring of 1994. Yet the President's choices suggest an unequivocal policy direction: The President boarded SSBN le Terrible on the 4 July, something none of his predecessors has done since Valery Giscard d'Estaing in 1974. As the Elysee Palace underlined, this gesture was meant to 'reaffirm French commitment to its deterrent'. It also follows on from the positions Mr Hollande adopted in December 2011 and March 2012 during the electoral campaign. During a simultaneous visit to the Ile Longue base, the Defence Minister made it clear that the French position revolved around sufficiency, thereby reiterating the previous posture, following President Sarkozy's announcement that the aerial component would be reduced by one third and the overall warheads capped at 300. On the 13 July, at the launch of the commission tasked with drafting a new White Paper on defence and security, the President confirmed from the outset 'the preservation of the nuclear deterrence strategy', thereby defining an unambiguous conceptual framework for this important exercise of strategic reflection. In his speech to open the Conference of the Ambassadors on the 27 August, he did not fail to recall that France is a permanent member of the Security Council Nuclear-Weapon State, following on from the tradition established by his predecessors. The continuation of the French deterrent thus appears fairly certain, even if the White Paper committee will also be tasked with formulating the best course between

The French experience in nuclear energy: Reasons for success

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Plante, J.

2000-01-01

Nuclear energy for France represents a viable option in meeting energy demands in the near and medium terms due to few energy resources and dependency on imported oil. Basic decisions to launch the French nuclear program, successive series of PWRs installed and standardization due to technical progress are highlighted in this paper. (author)

New developments in French transient monitoring: SYSFAC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

L'huby, Y.; Genette, P.; Faidy, C.; Kappler, F.; Balley, J.; Bimont, G.

1991-01-01

After more than ten years of experience with Transient Monitoring and Logging Procedure (TMLP) and six years of successfully experience with Fatiguemeters, EDF has decided to study a new concept of Fatigue Monitoring System: SYSFAC. This new automatic system which is developed to be operating in all the French PWR units is composed of three modules: mechanical transient logging, functional transient logging and fatiguemeters. This application must be connected to the on-site data acquisition system without complementary instrumentation on the plant. (author)

French nuclear power plants. Results and outlooks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serres, S.; Carbonnier, D.

1999-01-01

Operating results were good in 1997 for French nuclear power plants: safety levels were perfectly satisfactory; operating expenses continued to decrease (by 2% per annum from 1992 to 1997); there were spectacular results in radiation protection; and they had one of the world's highest availability rates (nearly 83%). (orig.) [de

The French A.E.C. nuclear robotic program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Foult, T.

1991-01-01

The new French nuclear robotic program launched by the CEA was started at the beginning of 1988 for the duration of two years and with the total subsidy of about 130 million French franc. This program includes the following four steps: the definition of model missions dedicated to inspection and intervention in nuclear environment, the system analysis to define the systems, functions and specifications required to perform these model missions, the technological development required to achieve these systems, and the design of demonstration models with the partial integration of the above developments. The whole program including these four steps is called SYROCO (modular SYstem for RObots COoperating in radioactive environment). The repair of leak in a pipe in a reprocessing cell, the model mission in a PWR nuclear power plant, autonomous load bearing mobile robots, squirrel concept light modular carrier concept, radiation hardening, mechanic, perception of environment, communication, control and simulation and the demonstration models are described. SHERPA project, perception management, force controlled manipulator, squirrel project, light modular carrier, processes and NAB model mission simulation are particularly mentioned

Scaling back French nuclear generation poses risk to trade deficit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mavroleon, Beatrice

2013-01-01

Increasing electricity costs weigh on the performance of France's exports, and this should lead to 'prudence' regarding the rate at which France's nuclear plants are taken out of service, says a report from the council of economic analysis (CAE), an economic think tank that advises the French prime minister. Reducing the proportion of nuclear energy in the country's generation mix was part of French president Francois Hollande's agreement with the country's green parties during his election campaign and is one of the key issues being discussed in France's energy transition debate. The government has said that nuclear energy's share in the generation mix should be reduced from 75% to 50% by 2025. The only nuclear plant the government has committed to closing is France's oldest, the 1.8 GW Fessenheim plant. It is scheduled to close at the end of 2016, but the move has generated much debate. 'Nobody knows why Fessenheim should be closed. Because it is old? So what?' said a legal source close to the French energy market who asked to remain anonymous. 'It's a shame that the French energy transition debate is not dealing with fundamental questions. It's too political', said the source. Low electricity prices are a key factor in maintaining France's economic competitiveness in relation to other European countries, said the CAE report, which was published on 16 May. A 10% increase in power prices paid by industrial consumers would lead to a 1.9% average reduction in the value of France's exports, it said. The market share of France's exports fell 19% in 2005-10, one of the largest slumps in Europe, according to a report published last summer by the European Commission. The country's current account recorded a growing deficit from 2005 onwards, reaching -2.2% in 2011, with the trade balance for goods accounting for most of this deterioration, said the report. Although France's trade deficit improved in 2012, driven by aerospace sector sales and weak domestic demand, the

Decision no. 2011-DC-0224 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering the French atomic energy and alternative energies commission (CEA) to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of some of its basic nuclear facilities in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to the French atomic energy commission (CEA). (J.S.)

Strategy - The after-Fukushima of the French nuclear sector - Nuclear must be an explicit choice - Siemens, leader of a nuclear-free Germany

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dupin, L.

2012-01-01

A first article comments the consequences of the Fukushima accident for the French nuclear sector: the risk of an extreme accident must be taken into account; this will result in works and investments; the cost of the French nuclear-based electricity will increase; the debate on the dismantling costs will be on again. Despite these problems, the French nuclear industry relies on its development perspectives abroad, notably in China. In an interview, the chairman of Areva discusses his first six months of action, evokes the implementation of the strategic action plan and the consequences of France's financial degradation, evokes the UraMin affair, the consequences of the Fukushima accident on Areva's offer, the costs of works required by the ASN, the perspectives for the EPR reactor, Areva's activities in the renewable energy sector. A last article comments the strategy of the German company Siemens who decided to phase out nuclear, and to focus notably of wind energy

PSAD, a prototype for monitoring and aid to diagnosis of French PWRs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jousselin, A.; Bourgeois, P.; Busquet, J.L.; Monnier, B.; Mouhamed, B.

1996-01-01

In order to improve safety and availability in its nuclear power plants, EDF has designed a new generation of monitoring systems integrated into a workstation for monitoring and aid to diagnosis (PSAD). These systems perform on-line monitoring of the main power plant components and PSAD stations provide homogenous aids ro diagnosis which enable plant personnel to diagnose the mechanical behavior of plant equipments. The objective of PSAD is to provide them with high-efficiency and user-friendly tools which can considerably free them from routine tasks. PSAD has a flexible architecture, guaranteeing optimum distribution of computing power to make it available where it is needed, thus enhancing the quality of the information. Its architecture includes diagnosis support software based on artificial intelligence technology which can dialogue with real-time or deferred-time processing software and a relational database. The first version of the prototype is working on a french plant at Tricastin. This version includes the software for the host structure and two monitoring functions: the reactor coolant pumps and the turbo-generator monitoring functions. Internal Structures Monitoring function (ISM) and Loose Parts Detection function (LPD) are under development and should be integrated into PSAD prototype in 1996. (author). 5 refs., 6 figs

Saudi Arabia: the French nuclear sector mobilized

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheikh-Ali, A.

2016-01-01

Saudi Arabia is preparing itself to replace half fossil energies by a mix of nuclear and renewable energies. Although the nuclear program is not yet well implemented, Saudi Arabia and France have signed an agreement to develop cooperation in the nuclear sector. A joint committee was created to give a frame to assess the best practices in terms of nuclear regulations, waste management, scientific cooperation and training. Concerning nuclear regulations, waste management and scientific cooperation the French contacts of KACARE (King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy) are respectively IRSN, ANDRA and CEA. Concerning scholar and professional training, a cooperation involving I2EN (International Institute for Nuclear Energy), EDF and AREVA on one side and the King Saud University, the Prince Mohammad University, the EFFAT University and the Dar Al Hekma College on the other side, has been set to develop training in nuclear engineering in Saudi Arabia. In parallel, AREVA and EDF have developed a program to find and qualify local subcontractors. (A.C.)

The French nuclear policy. A model for security policy in North-East Asia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choe, K.

1998-01-01

Between the end of the second world war and the collapse of the Berlin wall, the French diplomacy was based on the nuclear policy in a solid and coherent way. This nuclear policy was an 'incarnation' of the national security conception, allowing France to recover its political, military and economical rank on the international scene. The most important characteristic of the French nuclear policy concerns the commercialization of the nuclear energy which aims to ensuring the national security through the building up of a financial, technological and political 'reserve'. In front of the domination of the USA and USSR during the cold war era, NE Asia had a similar geostrategic configuration as Western Europe. It concerns in particular the massive application of nuclear energy for both military and industrial purposes. The bases of the security policy in this region refers to the real use of the nuclear weapon by the USA against Japan in 1945. The French nuclear policy may be considered as a model for the building of the security policy of NE Asia, in particular through the commercialization of the nuclear technology between the countries in concern. This nuclear approach would allow the countries of these region to change their present day national defense policy into an economical and military cooperation. (J.S.)

Planning and developing the French nuclear programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carle, R.

1983-01-01

Since France has been compelled to free itself from the domination of oil, it has undertaken a nuclear programme capable of providing for nearly one third of its energy needs by 1990. Some years after the first oil crisis, a good part of the battle has already been won: 22 reactor units of 900 MW each have been connected to the grid and account for 40% of the electricity produced in France, while 12 other 900 MW units, together with the first 1300 MW units, are under construction. Nuclear power has thus become an industrial reality possessed of the tools appropriate for the whole fuel cycle, which has managed to cope with costs and meet deadlines, and has developed a safe and reliable product. With these positive results despite inevitable incidents the French nuclear industry has come of age. There are, however, handicaps which remain to be overcome: high investment costs, operating constraints and continuing doubt on the part of the public. The efforts deployed in these three spheres are beginning to bear fruit. As a result, implementation of the French nuclear programme is being continued, albeit at a slower rate, for the aim is no longer to replace oil by nuclear power as soon as possible, but rather to keep up with the rise in consumption. In pursuing its nuclear efforts, France will henceforth be stressing progress in terms of quality, which can still be achieved in terms of increased reliability (incorporation of feedback), better economic return (initiation of a new series known as ''N4''), easier operation (improvement of the man-machine interface) and also more independence. The ''frenchification'' of the light-water reactor has from the beginning been seen as one of the means of achieving this independence. This also applies to mastery of the whole fuel cycle. And finally, fast breeders represent the next stage

US-French nuclear cooperation: its past, present and future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lewis, Jeffrey; Tertrais, Bruno

2015-10-01

It is now a matter of public record that France and the United States conducted in-depth cooperation on ballistic missiles and, later, on nuclear weapons safety and security starting with the Nixon and Pompidou Administrations. The existence of a deep France-US strategic nuclear cooperation exists as a historical counter-narrative to the notion of France as a fully independent nuclear power, but also as a reluctant US strategic partner. Today, both countries conceive of their interests globally, and share similar outlooks regarding strategic challenges from countries such as Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran and North Korea. The United States and France have worked particularly closely in the P5+1 context to reach a diplomatic solution to Iran's growing nuclear capabilities. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, they are key partners on crisis management, regarding Libya, Syria, or Ukraine. Cooperation on counter-terrorism has been stepped up since the events of January 2015 in France. The two countries cooperate closely in Sahel and in Iraq. This short briefing provides new information on past nuclear cooperation and seeks to address the following question: given the existence of deep US-UK and UK-French nuclear ties, would enhanced US-French cooperation - the 'third side of the triangle' - be useful either strategically, in terms of enhancing the stability of deterrence, or financially? (authors)

The french nuclear industry is looking for an american partner

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

In the same time of the nuclear industry revival in USA by the President Bush, TOPCO the holding society which is going to group the main french nuclear society, is looking for an american partner. This report deals with the economic and political aspects of the situation. (A.L.B.)

Nuclear: the decline of the French empire

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

This issue first proposes critical articles which address the stumped revival of the world nuclear energy: overview of the world nuclear industry, a critic of the IAEA and NEA predictions, discussion of the financial risk, consequences of Chernobyl. A second set of articles comments the role and position of the French nuclear industry in the world. The authors outline the strong but fragile position of this self-declared leader (overview of the activities, abroad interests, mining activities abroad, and the end of foreign fuel processing activities) and discuss the diplomatic and commercial policy. Then, several articles discuss different aspects of the nuclear program in France: a climatic and energy policy transition impeded by the nuclear, an electric system under the nuclear constraint, an industrial policy characterized by an EPR monomania and stake holder concurrence, a nuclear safety put into question again, an always heavier weight of waste management, a dismantling industrialization which is a long time coming, the bad example of proliferation, and the secrets, uncertainty and spiral of the nuclear costs

French policy in the nuclear industry and last governmental decisions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maillard, Dominique

1999-01-01

In the wake of the first oil shock, France embarked on an energy policy aimed at strengthening the long-term security of its supplies. French Government has confirmed the continuation of the nuclear power option as an essential component of French energy policy and in the interests of energy self-sufficiency and environmental concerns. The Government is also ready to work actively and seriously on diversifying France's electricity supply

Training within the French nuclear power program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jusselin, F.

1987-01-01

Training dispensed by the EDF Nuclear and Fossil Generation Division has contributed significantly toward successful startup and operation of French nuclear power plants. In 1986, the time-based availability of 900 MW PWRs totaled 85 %. This is just one example of how EDF training programs have benefited from 150 reactor-years of operating experience and the ensuing opportunities for perfecting and testing of training tool effectiveness. These programs have been adopted by utilities in other countries where suitable local facilities are making advantageous use of EDF training experience and methods. EDF expertise is also transferred to these countries indirectly through the simulator manufacturer

The cyber security of French nuclear installations: stakes and opportunities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marquez, Thierry

2016-01-01

Notably due to the development of the number of connected objects, nuclear installations, their supply chain and all the actors of the chain value are exposed to cyber risks, even if a recent study noticed that successful cyber attacks involving nuclear plants are rare, but real. Thus, the threat is actual and growing, and the IAEA is already working with Interpol on this issue. The author then describes how French actors (EDF, Areva, CEA) have introduced cyber-resilience to better anticipate and identify actual threats and critical vulnerabilities in order to protect infrastructures. He comments some strengthened regulatory measures introduced for the French nuclear sector, and continuous improvements brought in the field of cyber security. He shows that handling these risks is also an opportunity to develop crisis management tools through the development of a specific know-how which also has an industrial value

Climate Change and Nuclear Power (French Edition)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2015-08-01

Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, including COP 21, to be held in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015, the IAEA released the French version of its scientific assessment of nuclear power’s role in meeting the climate–energy challenge: Changements Climatiques et Énergie Nucléaire. The report reiterates the fact that nuclear power is the second lowest CO2 emitter, considering emissions through entire life cycles, after hydro but ahead of wind and solar-based electricity. It also examines broader issues relevant to the climate change–nuclear energy nexus, such as costs, investments, financing, safety, waste management and non-proliferation. Recent developments in resource supply, changes in energy markets and technological developments are also presented

French nuclear power plants for heat generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Girard, Y.

1984-01-01

The considerable importance that France attributes to nuclear energy is well known even though as a result of the economic crisis and the energy savings it is possible to observe a certain downward trend in the rate at which new power plants are being started up. In July 1983, a symbolic turning-point was reached - at more than 10 thousand million kW.h nuclear power accounted, for the first time, for more than 50% of the total amount of electricity generated, or approx. 80% of the total electricity output of thermal origin. On the other hand, the direct contribution - excluding the use of electricity - of nuclear energy to the heat market in France remains virtually nil. The first part of this paper discusses the prospects and realities of the application, at low and intermediate temperatures, of nuclear heat in France, while the second part describes the French nuclear projects best suited to the heat market (excluding high temperatures). (author)

Tritium monitoring in the environment of the French territory

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leprieur, F.; Roussel-Debet, S.; Pierrard, O.; Tournieux, D.; Boissieux, T.; Caldera-Ideias, P. [Institut de radioprotection et de surete nucleaire (France)

2014-07-01

Introduction: Radioactive releases in the environment from civilian and military nuclear facilities have significantly decreased over the last few decades, except for discharges of tritium which are forecast to increase due to changes in the fuel management in power plants and in the longer term by new tritium-emitting units (fusion reactors). In the aim to perform its radiological monitoring mission throughout the French territory, IRSN uses and develops advanced technology equipment to sample and to analyze tritium in the different environmental compartments. Methodology: IRSN uses bubblers to collect both tritium vapour (HTO) and gaseous tritium (mainly HT) in the air. Another method, developed by IRSN, consists in directly sampling the water vapour in the air by condensing in a cold trap and more recently with passive sampler. In continental and marine surface water, samples are usually collected by automatic water samplers. Instantaneous surface water samples are also collected by grab sample devices. In addition, IRSN conducts animal and plant samples near French nuclear facilities. Natural origin and tritium remaining from testing of nuclear weapons In the atmosphere, the background levels of tritium of 1 to 2 Bq/L measured in water vapour, equivalent to an activity of 0.01 to 0.02 Bq/m{sup 3} of air. In fresh waters, the tritium activity currently ranges between 1 and 3 Bq/L of water. In the marine environment, tritium emitted during nuclear weapon tests has been totally 'diluted' in cosmogenic tritium and concentration levels at the surface have remained around 0.1 to 0.2 Bq/L. In biological matrices, total tritium concentration range from 1 to 3 Bq/kg f.w. with a variable proportion of free and organically bounded forms. Tritium around nuclear facilities: Close to facilities releasing more than 2x10{sup 13} Bq/year of gaseous tritium, higher activity levels, ranging from a few tens to a few hundred Bq/L, are observed in the atmospheric and

On the safety of French nuclear power plants. Zur Sicherheit der franzoesischen Kernkraftwerke

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anon,

1990-04-01

An allegedly secret report by the inspector general for nuclear safety, of EDF, has recently been unearthed and published by the French weekly 'Le Canard Enchaine, and the response in France, and very soon after also in West Germany, has been a number of alarming reports and articles in the press. Readers in West Germany have been stirred up by press reports that made French nuclear power plants appear to be a herd of hazards, which of course again added fuel to the feeling of fear of nuclear power already existing in the population. A copy of the internal report in question was sent without any fuss upon request by the atw editorial office who was preparing the interview. The report is a sober account of the state and operating behaviour of French nuclear power plants, also stating weak points seen by the safety expert that need particular attention. Materials are a main aspect in this context, particularly the materials behaviour in steam raising units. The problems have been spotted, and are given due attention. (orig./HP).

French ESPN order, codes and nuclear industry requirements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laugier, C.; Grandemange, J.M.; Cleurennec, M.

2010-01-01

Work on coding safety regulations applicable to large equipment was undertaken in France as of 1978 to accompany the construction of a French nuclear plant. The needs of manufacturers were threefold: translate the design rules from the American licensor, meet the safety objectives expressed in French regulations published at that time through coding of industrial practices (order of February 26, 1974) and stabilize the work reference system between the operator - consultant - and the manufacturer responsible for applying technical recommendations. Significant work was carried out by AFCEN (the French Association for the Design, Construction and Operating Supervision of the equipment for Electronuclear boilers), an association created for this purpose, leading to the publication of a collection of rules related to mechanical equipment for pressurised water reactors, RCC-M and RSE-M, which will be discussed later, and also in several other technical fields: particularly mechanical equipment in fast neutron reactors, RCC-MR, electricity (RCC-E), and fuel (RCC-C). (authors)

Improving the knowledge of environment around French nuclear facilities for better dose assessment and post-accidental management

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Parache, V.; Renaud, P. [Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire - IRSN (France)

2014-07-01

The consequences of an industrial pollution for the population and the environment depend not only on the nature and extent of the pollution, but also of the characteristics of concerned environment: the use that man made of it, and of the man's habits, notably food practices. To improve the consideration of the specificities of territories in its evaluations and its recommendations, in normal operation or in accident and post-accident situations, the Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety characterizes the environment of the nuclear installations. This standardised measurement of the environmental and population characteristics will be useful in risk assessment and management, and in all the operational stages of a nuclear installation. This characterization concerns the inventory of the main agricultural productions (vegetable and animal), the important agricultural dates (seeding, harvest) and the practices and eating habits of animals, the industry and the local food-processing, as well as on the food practices of the persons which live around the French nuclear power plant. National surveys have identified the major characteristics of French eating habits. Above and beyond the fact that these surveys do not consider local specificities, the use of their results for dosimetric assessments has certain drawbacks: the categories of foodstuffs most vulnerable to contamination in post-accident situations (fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh milk and cheeses) are very rarely described in detail; representation of the eating habits of an 'average' population does not give us as the behaviors of the most sensitive groups. The prime objective of local studies is to describe eating habits (rations and local production rates) of potentially most exposed population around nuclear facilities which may cultivate various foodstuffs. These comparative studies highlighted the important variability of the particular eating habits of the French population

New French guide for the protection of nuclear facilities against external flooding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duluc, Claire-Marie; Bardet, Lise; Guimier, Laurent; Rebour, Vincent

2014-01-01

On 27 December 1999, more than ten years before the tsunami of 11 March 2011, a severe storm occurred in the vicinity of the 'Le Blayais' Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) located in the Gironde estuary. This partial flooding called into question the design bases defined in the French Basic Safety Rule (BSR) I.2.e for the protection of French NPPs against external flooding. Following an initial improvement of protections of nuclear installations against external flooding, the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) initiated the elaboration a new safety rule for the protection of nuclear facilities against external flooding. In order to prepare the technical basis of the new safety rule, IRSN conducted a hydrologic working group. This technical group gathered experts from universities or research organisms, government departments or agencies and operators. After a long process, the guide for protection of basic nuclear installations against external flooding was published by the French Nuclear Safety Authority in April, 2013. The purpose of this guide is to i) define the situations to consider when evaluating the flood hazard for a given site ii) propose an acceptable method of quantifying them, iii) list recommendations for defining means of protection adapted to the specificities of the hazard of flooding. A specificity of external flooding is that many different sources have to be considered. Consequently, a list of 11 'Reference Flood Situation' (RFS) is defined. Each of them is based on a single event or on a conjunction of events whose characteristics may be increased if necessary. The RFS are defined with a probability target of 10-4 per year, taking into account uncertainties. This article presents the guide process of development, the method applied to define the reference flood situations (RFS) and the treatment of uncertainties. The last part of the article presents the RFS defined for local rainfall

Monitoring around the secret nuclear facilities of naval ports; Surveillance autour des INBS des ports militaires

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jaskierowicz, D. [Marine Nationale, pharmacien en chef, conseiller scientifique et technique, etat-major de la marine, 83 - Toulon (France); Quere, St. [Marine Nationale, capitaine de corvette, adjoint charge de la prise en compte des installations nucleaires sur l' environnement et le personnel, 83 - Toulon (France)

2010-06-15

Based within large industrial cities (Brest, Toulon, Cherbourg) or more rural areas like Crozon (Ile Longue), French navy exploits nuclear facilities where are built, maintained and decommissioned nuclear power submarines and aircraft-carrier. The safety and the security of these installations as well as the non-impact on people and environment are continuously monitored. The DSND, a governmental regulatory body dedicated to the Defense, applies the same regulations enforced by the ASN for civilian nuclear activities. Concerning environmental monitoring, the navy answers to the DSND or the ASN, depending on the type of survey. In every nuclear site, an automatic nuclear monitoring sensor system (2SNM) runs 24/7, with the supervision of specialized personnel in radioprotection. Each year, more than 7000 samples are collected in the ecosystem and thousands of measurements are carried out in four laboratories (LASEM in Cherbourg, Brest and Toulon) - SPRS ILO) of the navy. These results are sent to the DSND and have been integrated since February 2010 to the brand-new public web site of the national monitoring network of radioactivity in the environment (RMN). (author)

The French regime of civil liability for nuclear

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leger, Marc

2013-01-01

As civil liability for nuclear is a matter of discussion and initiatives at the European and international levels, the author proposes an overview of the legal framework of the French regime of civil liability for nuclear which is a combination of two international treaties (Paris and Brussels conventions) and a national arrangement (a 1968 law). He presents and comments the main characteristics of this regime (geographical scope of application, concerned activities, excluded events, covered damages, principles regarding operator's liability) and the improvements brought by Paris and Brussels convention review protocols

The nuclear instrumentation system of the French 1400 MWe reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bourgerette, A.; Mauduit, J.P.

1993-01-01

The nuclear instrumentation systems in power reactors in France have made considerable advances thanks to technological progress. The appearance of an integrated digital protection system (SPIN) and the extension of digital techniques have considerably improved performance and operating flexibility. Working on the basis of technology developed jointly with the Nuclear Electronics and Instrumentation Department at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Framatome and Merlin Gerin have designed the new nuclear instrumentation system for 1400 MW reactors. (authors). 4 figs

Instrumentation for chemical and radiochemical monitoring in nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nordmann, F.; Ballard, G.

2009-01-01

This article details the instrumentation implemented in French nuclear power plants for the monitoring of chemical and radiochemical effluents with the aim of limiting their environmental impact. It describes the controls performed with chemical automata for the search for drifts, anomalies or pollution in a given circuit. The operation principles of the different types of chemical automata are explained as well as the manual controls performed on samples manually collected. Content: 1 - general considerations; 2 - objectives of the chemical monitoring: usefulness of continuous monitoring with automata, transmission to control rooms and related actions, redundancy of automata; 3 - instrumentation and explanations for the main circuits: principle of chemical automata monitoring, instrumentation of the main primary circuit, instrumentation of the main secondary circuit, instrumentation of the tertiary circuit, preparation of water makeup (demineralized water), other loops, instrumentation for effluents and environment monitoring, measurement principles of chemical automata, control and maintenance of chemical automata; 4 - manual controls after sampling; 5 - radiochemical monitoring: automatized radiochemical measurements, manual radiochemical measurements; 6 - conclusion

French Nuclear Forces in the 1980s and 1990s

Science.gov (United States)

1983-08-01

the mid-1990s, the new force structure will be theoretically capable of inflicting massive destruc- tion against the Soviet Union as well as...capacity which turns national territory into a sanctuary. The current French nuclear force structure is shown in table 1 below. -2- TABLE 1 FRENCH...out in favor of the M-2 in 1974 which by 1977 had itself been supplanted by the M-20. The first Sous-marin Nucleaire Lanceur d’Engins I (SNLE) or

Assessment of the radiological status of the French environment in 2010-2011

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boissieux, Thomas; D'Amico, Donato; Debayle, Christophe; Goyen, Jean-Philippe; Leprieur, Fabrice; Manach, Erwan; Pierrard, Olivier; Tournieux, Damien; Chaptal-Gradoz, Nathalie; Bouisset, Patrick; Boulaud, Denis; Boust, Dominique; Bruno, Valerie; Delabbaye, Pascale; Gallerand, Marie-Odile; Ielsch, Geraldine; Masson, Olivier; Manificat, Guillaume; Peres, Jean-Marc; Renaud, Philippe; Roussel-Debet, Sylvie; Tardieu, Laure; Thebault, Herve; Guldner, Bruno; Wyckaert, Laure

2012-01-01

This report proposes a detailed assessment of the radiological status of the environment in France over the 2010-2011 period. It addresses the radiological monitoring of the environment, presents the national network of measurements of radioactivity in the environment and the main actors of environment monitoring in France, and discusses events and expertise (impact of the Fukushima accident and of some incidents which occurred in France). It presents and comments results of the monitoring of the metropolitan and overseas French territories (atmosphere, soils, sea and coasts, regional assessment), of the monitoring of sites related to nuclear fuel cycle (nuclear sites, old mining sites, industrial sites related to the front-end or back-end of the fuel cycle, waste storage sites), of research centres and nuclear marine bases, of installations using natural or artificial radioactivity sources. It discusses the assessment of the exposure of the French population to ionizing radiation. It indicates information sources dealing with radioactivity monitoring and data publication. A last part proposes a presentation of radioactivity

French lessons - can they help the US nuclear industry?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jasper, J.M.

1987-01-01

Many analyses of the politics and economics of nuclear energy in the United States rely on comparisons of US reactor programs with those of France, which have proven to be more successful. The kernel of the comparison is that France has a large and growing nuclear system that produces most of the country's electricity, little political resistance, electric rates that are among the lowest in Europe, and independence from the vicissitudes of the oil markets. By contrast, in the US there are widespread political resistance and unfavorable public opinion, uncertainty about future plans for nuclear energy, and a generally costly set of reactors that produce about 15% of the country's electricity. What is more, the relatively expensive American plants are often thought of to be less safe than their cheaper French counterparts. In attempting to explain the French success and the US failure, observers have been all too prone to single out as the root cause a particular political or economic factor that differs between the two countries. One of the major shortcomings of this approach is that there are a number of relevant differences, any of which could play a part in affecting the countries' nuclear programs and which may not be easily changed. Moreover, implicit in each explanation is a prescription for how to aid the ailing nuclear industry in the United States--a prescription that may well be questionable

Operating nuclear plant feedback to ASME and French codes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Journet, J.; O'Donnell, W.J.

1996-01-01

The French have an advantage in nuclear plant operating experience feedback due to the highly centralized nature of their nuclear industry. There is only one utility in charge of design as well as operations (EDF) and only one reactor vendor (Framatome). The ASME Code has played a key role in resolving technical issues in the design and operation of nuclear plants since the inception of nuclear power. The committee structure of the Code brings an ideal combination of senior technical people with both broad and specialized experience to bear on complex how safe is safe enough technical issues. The authors now see an even greater role for the ASME Code in a proposed new regulatory era for the US nuclear industry. The current legalistic confrontational regulatory era has been quite destructive. There now appears to be a real opportunity to begin a new era of technical consensus as the primary means for resolving safety issues. This change can quickly be brought about by having the industry take operating plant problems and regulatory technical issues directly to the ASME Code for timely resolution. Surprisingly, there is no institution in the US nuclear industry with such a mandate. In fact, the industry is organized to feedback through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues which could be far better resolved through the ASME Code. Major regulatory benefits can be achieved by closing this loop and providing systematic interaction with the ASME Code. The essential elements of a new regulatory era and ideas for organizing US institutional industry responsibilities, taken from the French experience, are described in this paper

Present situation and future prospects for French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carle, R.

1984-01-01

The author depicts the present situation and future of the French nuclear power programme which has now become a major industrial reality after successful acceptance of a twofold challenge: the technical problem and that of training the personnel responsible for operating the power stations. The large number of nuclear plants now in operation and planned for the next few years makes electricity generated from nuclear power a ''new industrial reality'', which we must still learn to utilize to the best effect [fr

What do French people really think of nuclear power?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

2003-01-01

According to an opinion poll performed in end 2003: 70% of the French people think that we can not do without nuclear power for the generation of electricity, 28% are for nuclear power, 17% are against and 55% hesitate, 69% agree with a mix between nuclear energy and renewable energies, 20% are missing the lack of information concerning the latest advances in nuclear energy field (safety, management of radioactive wastes). According to another opinion poll performed by Credoc: 44% of the people surveyed think that the production and disposal of radioactive wastes is the main drawback of nuclear power, as for the issue concerning the activity domain where the risk of major accident is the highest: 29% think of nuclear power, 27% think of road transport and 27% think of chemistry industry. (A.C.)

To benefit from the market opportunities, the French nuclear sector must accelerate its change

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Therond-Koos, C.

2016-01-01

An independent think-tank gives its meaning on the future of nuclear energy and on the assets of the French nuclear industry to obtain contracts and tenders in international markets. Nuclear power appears to be a necessary passage for a quick transition towards a no-carbon emitting power production. Between 2006 and 2015 the construction of about 80 reactors was launched and IAEA expects a growth rate of nuclear power production somewhere between +50 and +100% by 2030. 6 countries: United States, Russia, France, Japan, China and South-Korea have developed a nuclear industry and are able to export reactor technology. Concerning reactor construction, France's share of the world market is about 10% and France ranks third behind Russia (33%) and American-Japanese companies (33%). China will be soon a reactor supplier. On the nuclear fuel business, AREVA is also a major player. At the world scale only a few companies operate in the reactor construction field because of technological, industrial but also regulation challenges. The Hinkley Point C project is crucial for the French nuclear industry because of the attractiveness of the contract and mainly because it is an opportunity to show the ability of the French nuclear enterprises to end projects on time and it may be considered a reference to win other export contracts. (A.C.)

The nuclear debate in France: some additional data. A point of view by the French Nuclear Energy Society (SFEN)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

Coming after the Fukushima accident which boosted the debate on nuclear energy in France, this document expresses the opinion of the French Nuclear Energy Society (SFEN). According to it, nuclear energy is an answer to the two main current challenges the World is facing: energy supply and global warming. Perspectives of energy policy should be based on a triptych: energy savings, renewable energies and nuclear energy. The authors also states that uranium reserves are available for centuries and even more, that the nuclear industry has a better record than other sources of production of electricity in terms of safety, and that the problem of nuclear wastes is solved. They consider that, provided that AREVA possesses property rights on important uranium reserves in America, Africa and Asia, the national independence is therefore guaranteed. Moreover, the French nuclear industry is a world leader, and the existence of nuclear energy production in France avoids many expenses. Therefore, the authors assert that giving up nuclear energy would be a triple step backwards

Integrated project management information systems: the French nuclear industry experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jacquin, J.-C.; Caupin, G.-M.

1990-01-01

The article discusses the desirability of integrated project management systems within the French nuclear power industry. Change in demand for nuclear generation facilities over the last two decades has necessitated a change of policy concerning organization, cost and planning within the industry. Large corporate systems can benefit from integrating equipment and bulk materials tracking. Project management for the nuclear industry will, in future, need to incorporate computer aided design tools and project management information systems data bases as well as equipment and planning data. (UK)

Integrated project management information systems: the French nuclear industry experience

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jacquin, J.-C.; Caupin, G.-M.

1990-03-01

The article discusses the desirability of integrated project management systems within the French nuclear power industry. Change in demand for nuclear generation facilities over the last two decades has necessitated a change of policy concerning organization, cost and planning within the industry. Large corporate systems can benefit from integrating equipment and bulk materials tracking. Project management for the nuclear industry will, in future, need to incorporate computer aided design tools and project management information systems data bases as well as equipment and planning data. (UK).

Broader utilization of programmable automation equipment in French nuclear power plants: Reflections on the choices made by Electricite de France and French designers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baudry, Y.; Varaldi, G.

1983-01-01

More than 1000 microprocessors and more than 10,000 data memories in each of the twenty or so 1300 MW units in the French nuclear programme: that was the decision taken by Electricite de France (EDF) in conjunction with the designers in 1974, with the intention of introducing programmable automata on a wide scale in French nuclear power plants. This programme was carried out with the assistance of advanced research services such as the universities, the Commissariat a l'energie atomique (CEA), EDF's design and research service and the designers, most of whom were already EDF suppliers for the 900 MW range. Having used computers for linking sequences (themselves carried out with electromagnetic technology) for its latest natural-uranium gas-cooled graphite-moderated power plants, EDF decided to call a temporary halt, in the case of its 900 MW light-water range, to the use of digital techniques for the control and automation of power plants although it continued to employ such techniques widely in data processing. Thus, the widespread introduction of programmable automata, which was decided upon in 1974/75 at a time when no equivalent existed at the international level, led EDF and French designers to undertake a major development effort in order to meet the requirements - particularly safety and reliability requirements - for such automata to be incorporated into the nuclear field. How does this choice fit in with the logical evolution of the digitalization of French nuclear power plants. What problems has it caused for EDF and French industry. How have these problems been tackled. How have they been overcome. These are the questions dealt with in this paper. (author)

French policy for managing the post-accident phase of a nuclear accident.

Science.gov (United States)

Gallay, F; Godet, J L; Niel, J C

2015-06-01

In 2005, at the request of the French Government, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) established a Steering Committee for the Management of the Post-Accident Phase of a Nuclear Accident or a Radiological Emergency, with the objective of establishing a policy framework. Under the supervision of ASN, this Committee, involving several tens of experts from different backgrounds (e.g. relevant ministerial offices, expert agencies, local information commissions around nuclear installations, non-governmental organisations, elected officials, licensees, and international experts), developed a number of recommendations over a 7-year period. First published in November 2012, these recommendations cover the immediate post-emergency situation, and the transition and longer-term periods of the post-accident phase in the case of medium-scale nuclear accidents causing short-term radioactive release (less than 24 h) that might occur at French nuclear facilities. They also apply to actions to be undertaken in the event of accidents during the transportation of radioactive materials. These recommendations are an important first step in preparation for the management of a post-accident situation in France in the case of a nuclear accident. © The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers 2014.

The making of French nuclear energy policy. Through the relationship between civilian and military use

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kimura, Kenji

2013-01-01

The French history of nuclear development clearly shows the inseparability of its civilian use from military use. In France, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA) and Electricite de France (EDF) have played an important role in research and development of nuclear technology since the postwar period. At first, the two organizations had kept great autonomy, but the government reinforced its control on them because France needed nuclear deterrence against the Soviet Union. France began using plutonium in 1952, and the Suez crisis in 1956 showed the need for nuclear force to ensure its independence. After this event, France managed the first nuclear test using plutonium in 1960. As for enriched uranium, they have long had great difficulty in securing it. The uranium enrichment technology became crucial also in civilian use in this period. EDF proposed the pressurized water reactor (PWR), which requires enriched uranium, as the future reactor type because of its economic advantage, but CEA wanted to continue developing the gas-cooled reactor (GCR) because of its independence in nuclear fuel supply. Finally, they chose PWR because a French enrichment facility was built in 1967. From such French history, we can say that the civilian and military use of nuclear technology are inseparable. (author)

Radioecological monitoring of the environment of a French nuclear power plant after 12 years in operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Foulquier, L.; Descamps, B.; Roussel, S.

1992-01-01

Taking Fessenheim Nuclear Power Plant as an example, this paper gives a description of various types of environmental test carried out under the responsibility of the Operator of Nuclear Power Plants in France: permanent monitoring of radioactivity, periodic radioecological assessments. The main results of measurements taken, show the effect of the Plant to be negligible. 8 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs

Quality assurance of the French nuclear market - IAEA code and standardization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pavaux, F.

1980-06-01

The fact that Quality Assurance was imported from abroad and our reticence to reach agreement on single and accurate texts explain, if not excuse, the abundance of reference requirements existing on the French nuclear market with respect to Quality Assurance Programmes. But all is not lost, since the IAEA Good Practice Code is perhaps the solution that, in a few years time, will enable all French industrialists to work and be assessed by their customers, according to the same reference text [fr

Ranking French nuclear industry on international market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Labbe, B.

1987-01-01

Based on the success of its own ambitious nuclear power station program, France has been able to export its technology to many parts of the world, providing everything from individual components to complete power stations on a turnkey basis. Industrial partners who regurarly work together have set up the necessary structures to ensure the dovetailing of their activities during joint operations on the foreign market. These structures are matched to the needs of individual clients, and can be dispensed with completely in cases where a sole supplier is involved. Not one single unit under construction has been halted and no contract cancelled after the Chernobyl accident. France, like Japan and the USSR, is pressing on with its nuclear power program. China has ordered two PWR units for Daya Bay, while Britain has decided to construct its first PWR at Sizewell. Although a number of countries have deferred decisions in this field, this has been mainly on financial grounds. The French nuclear power industry has demonstrated its mastery of the technology, which can now be placed at the disposal of countries wishing to build nuclear power units, to improve their existing nuclear capacity, to develop parts of this future-oriented industry, or to supply their power stations with advanced nuclear fuel

The year 2000 and the French nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Henry, Jean Yves; Regnier, Pascal; Daumas, Frederic; Manners, Simeon

1999-03-01

This report deals with the millennium problem from the point of view of French Nuclear Activities. The paper presents the millennium problem and its causes as well as the difficulties in achieving millennium compliance. The relationship between the computer systems and the safety of nuclear installations is addressed and, in this respect, the question of determining the analysis strategy at the IPSN is discussed. The necessity to set up a specific organisational system having tasks related to analysis of installation sensitivity, study of resources, tests, and contingency measures is maintained. Particularly, an analysis of PWR of EDF and other nuclear installations is presented. Also mentioned are the IPSN initiatives in support of its assessment as well as the IPSN's international actions to cope with the millennium bug challenge

French experience in transient data collection and fatigue monitoring of PWR`s nuclear steam supply system; Experience francaise sur la comptabilisation des transitoires et la surveillance en fatigue des chaudieres REP

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sabaton, M.; Morilhat, P.; Savoldelli, D.; Genette, P.

1995-10-01

Electricite de France (EDF), the french national electricity company, is operating 54 standardized pressurizer water reactors. This about 500 reactor-years experience in nuclear stations operation and maintenance area has allowed EDF to develop its own strategy for monitoring of age-related degradations of NPP systems and components relevant for plant safety and reliability. After more than fifteen years of experience in regulatory transient data collection and seven years of successful fatigue monitoring prototypes experimentation, EDF decided to design a new system called SYSFAC (acronym for SYsteme de Surveillance en FAtigue de la Chaudiere) devoted to transient logging and thermal fatigue monitoring of the reactor coolant pressure boundary. The system is fully automatic and directly connected to the on-site data acquisition network without any complementary instrumentation. A functional transient detection module and a mechanical transient detection module are in charge of the general transient data collection. A fatigue monitoring module is aimed towards a precise surveillance of five specific zones particularly sensible to thermal fatigue. After the first step of preliminary studies, the industrial phase of the SYSFAC project is currently going on, with hardware and software tests and implementation. The first SYSFAC system will be delivered to the pilot power plant by the beginning of 1996. The extension to all EDF`s nuclear 900 MW is planned after one more year of feedback experience. (authors). 12 refs., 3 figs.

The power of the will and the French nuclear programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boureille, P.

2010-01-01

Using certain key episodes in the development of the French nuclear deterrent as examples, the author illustrates the extent to which boldness of decision-making, combined with far-thinking and resolute vision, is the foundation of any international defence policy built for the long term. (author)

Internal exposure in French nuclear power plants : 10 years on

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chevalier, C.; Gonin, M.

1992-01-01

Collectively speaking, internal exposure in French nuclear power plants is negligible. However, some quite high individual doses have been recorded. The details of cases of significant contamination are presented here in table form. A brief discussion of a few particular cases underscores the problems involved. (author)

The production costs of the French nuclear fleet. Synthesis and conclusions. Technical note

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2017-09-01

Whereas the French Energy Multi-year Programming (PPE) notably aims at preserving the purchasing power of consumers and the competitiveness of energy prices, this note aims at reporting an assessment of the production cost of the French present nuclear fleet, i.e. the electric power cost at the output of the production installation. The authors first discuss the choice for the methodology of 'cash costs' for the decision to continue of not the exploitation of existing units. They propose a mean assessment of about 33 euro/MWh, state that the present nuclear-based power production in France is profitable, and consider that there is no 'investment wall' to be faced in the near future. They also state that nuclear costs are hardly supposed to increase because they are little sensitive to uranium prices. They consider that dismantling and waste costs are covered at more than 100 per cent by dedicated assets. A technical note comes with this discussion. It discusses cost calculation methods, the assessment of the production cost of French existing reactors (second generation), and some additional elements regarding some cost components

Renewal of the French fleet of nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nifenecker, Herve

2012-01-01

While supposing the lifetime of all present PWR reactors would be extended to sixty years, the author compares two scenarios regarding the renewal of the French fleet of nuclear reactors: the first one over 40 years and the second one over 20 years. This renewal is based on the construction of EPR reactors at different rhythms. The author compares the associated production costs and assesses the exploitation costs. A renewal scenario over 40 years seems to give better results

French nuclear plants PWR vessel integrity assessment and life management

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bezdikian, G. [Electricite de France (EDF), Div. Production Nucleaire, 93 - Saint-Denis (France); Quinot, P. [FRAMATOME, Dept. Bloc Reacteur et Boucles Primaires, 92 - Paris-La-Defence (France); Faidy, C.; Churier-Bossennec, H. [Electricite de France (EDF), Div. Ingenierie et Service, 69 - Villeurbanne (France)

2001-07-01

The Reactor Pressure Vessel life management of 56 PWR 3 loop and 4 loop reactors units was engaged by the French Utility EDF (Electricite de France) a few years ago and is yet on going on. This paper will present the work carried out within the framework of justifying why the 34 three loop reactor vessels will remain acceptable for operation for a lifetime of at least 40-years. A summary of the measures will be given. An overall review of actions will be presented describing the French approach, using important existing databases, including studies related to irradiation surveillance monitoring program and end of life fluence assessment. The last results obtained are based on generic integrity analyses for all categories of situations (normal upset emergency and faulted conditions) until the end of lifetime, postulating circumferential an radial kinds of flaw located in the stainless steel cladding or shallow sub-cladding area. The results of structural integrity analyses beginning with elastic computations and completed with three-dimensional finite element elastic plastic computations for envelope cases, are compared with code criteria for operating plants. The objective is to evaluate the margins on different parameters as RTNDT (Reference Nil Ductility Transition Temperature), toughness or crack size, to justify the global fitness for service of all these Reactor Pressure Vessels. The paper introduces EDF's maintenance strategy, related to integrity assessment, for those nuclear power plants under operation, based on NDE in-service inspection of the first thirty millimeters in the thickness of the wall and major surveillance programs of the vessels. (author)

French nuclear plants PWR vessel integrity assessment and life management

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bezdikian, G.; Quinot, P.; Faidy, C.; Churier-Bossennec, H.

2001-01-01

The Reactor Pressure Vessel life management of 56 PWR 3 loop and 4 loop reactors units was engaged by the French Utility EDF (Electricite de France) a few years ago and is yet on going on. This paper will present the work carried out within the framework of justifying why the 34 three loop reactor vessels will remain acceptable for operation for a lifetime of at least 40-years. A summary of the measures will be given. An overall review of actions will be presented describing the French approach, using important existing databases, including studies related to irradiation surveillance monitoring program and end of life fluence assessment. The last results obtained are based on generic integrity analyses for all categories of situations (normal upset emergency and faulted conditions) until the end of lifetime, postulating circumferential an radial kinds of flaw located in the stainless steel cladding or shallow sub-cladding area. The results of structural integrity analyses beginning with elastic computations and completed with three-dimensional finite element elastic plastic computations for envelope cases, are compared with code criteria for operating plants. The objective is to evaluate the margins on different parameters as RTNDT (Reference Nil Ductility Transition Temperature), toughness or crack size, to justify the global fitness for service of all these Reactor Pressure Vessels. The paper introduces EDF's maintenance strategy, related to integrity assessment, for those nuclear power plants under operation, based on NDE in-service inspection of the first thirty millimeters in the thickness of the wall and major surveillance programs of the vessels. (author)

The French nuclear team ready to conquer new market shares

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Levy, J.B.; Varin, P.; Verwaerde, D.

2016-01-01

In order to reinforce their partnership, EDF, CEA and AREVA have founded the France Nuclear Platform (FNP). FNP is a tripartite body that will allow EDF, CEA and AREVA to build a consistent common position to respond to the worldwide demand in terms of nuclear reactors, fuel cycle or spent fuel processing. Potential clients and particularly first-time buyers want to buy far more than nuclear reactors, they want to buy the whole experience of the most important nuclear operator in the world which is a guarantee of success, safety and security. In order to stay ahead of the competition, the French nuclear industry can rely on high quality standards, a policy of innovation and a well-developed safety culture. Today's promising markets for nuclear energy are concentrated in Asia: in China a growth rate of 60% over the next 15 years is expected for nuclear power, in India projects for the construction of several EPR are ongoing. (A.C.)

French people and nuclear wastes; Les francais et les dechets nucleaires

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

D' Iribarne, Ph [Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 75 - Paris (France)

2005-07-01

On March 21, 2005, the French minister of industry gave to the author of this document, the mission to shade a sociological light on the radioactive wastes perception by French people. The objective of this study was to supply an additional information before the laying down in 2006 of the decisions about the management of high-level and long-lived radioactive wastes. This inquiry, carried out between April 2004 and March 2005, stresses on the knowledge and doubts of the questioned people, on the vision they have of radioactive wastes and of their hazards, and on their opinion about the actors in concern (experts, nuclear companies, government, anti-nuclear groups, public). The last two parts of the report consider the different ways of waste management under study today, and the differences between the opinion of people living close to the Bure site and the opinion of people living in other regions. (J.S.)

Nuclear energy is not the prevailing energy in the French energetic mix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Destais, G.

2011-01-01

The author first shows that the share of nuclear energy in the French electricity production is in fact of 76% (and not 80% as usually said), and that the share of this energy in the final electricity consumption was 69% in 2009. She also outlines that nuclear electricity is only 16,5% of the total final energy consumption in France in 2009, whereas oil still prevails with 42%

The consequences of underground nuclear testing in French Polynesia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, E.T.

1998-01-01

France began atmospheric nuclear testing at Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls in the South Pacific in July 1966. Following international protest, atmospheric testing ceased in August 1970. In late 1995, an International Geomechanical Commission (IGC) was created to assess the short- and long-term effects of underground nuclear testing on the stability and hydrology of Mururoa and Fangataufa. With the aid of its consultants, the Commission sought to develop its own understanding of the mechanics and consequences of the underground nuclear tests. It carried out extensive numerical analyses of shock wave effects, seismic wave propagation, slope stability and pre- and post-test hydrology. However, in its studies, the IGC was constrained to use the data made available to it by the French authorities. The Commission's report (International Geomechanical Commission 1998) has been submitted to the French Government. This article draws heavily on parts of that report. The Commission's observations and analyses show that there has been no apparent change, on the atoll scale, to the overall mechanical stability of either atoll as a consequence of the underground nuclear tests. The main observable consequences of the tests are underwater slope failures, open fractures on the rim surface and surface settlements. The fractures visible on the surface are generally associated with subsurface slope displacements and occur only in the carbonates. There is no evidence that slope failures or settlements have occurred in the underlying volcanics. There has been no significant change in the long-term (beyond 500 years) hydrology of either atoll. The IGC estimates that the long-term change in the natural groundwater flow will be no more than 1%. There are, however, significant short-term changes locally around the test sites, which are briefly outlined

French nuclear safety authorities: for a harmonization of nuclear safety at the European level

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

2004-01-01

The European Commission is working on 2 directives concerning nuclear energy: the first one is dedicated to nuclear safety and the second to the management of radioactive wastes and spent fuels. In the context of the widening of the European Union and of the inter-connection of the different electric power grids throughout Europe, the harmonization of the rules in the nuclear safety field is seen by manufacturers as a mean to achieve a fair competition between nuclear equipment supplying companies and by the French nuclear safety authorities (FNSA) as a mean to keep on improving nuclear safety and to be sure that competitiveness does not drive safety standards down. According to FNSA the 2 European directives could give a legal framework to the harmonization and should contain principles that reinforce the responsibility of each state. FNSA considers that the EPR (European pressurized water reactor) may be an efficient tool for the harmonization because of existing industrial cooperation programs between France and Germany and between France and Finland. (A.C.)

Two economic, energetic, and environmental assessments of the French nuclear program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vielle, M.

1996-01-01

This paper presents two studies, which try to assess the economic, energy and environmental impact of the French nuclear program. First, the two models used are described briefly and then each study is discussed separately. The main results are summarized in the conclusion. (author). 4 refs., 5 tabs., 8 figs

Nuclear test - The French nuclear strike force in the 21. century: challenges, ambitions and strategy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wodka-Gallien, Philippe

2014-01-01

This bibliographical note presents a book in which the author, after having recalled the history of the French nuclear force since the first nuclear test in 1960, and outlined the fact that France has been living under the protection of its own nuclear deterrence force since that date, presents the components of this nuclear strike force with its four nuclear submarines equipped to launch new generation missiles, its fifty fighter bomber aircraft equipped with the ASMP-A missile. He presents and discusses the mission of this nuclear force, discusses the relevancy of the deterrence strategy in the present context, and the significance of such a strategy for a European country like France. He wanders whether this strike force is still affordable for our country, which can be its benefits, whether this arsenal remains useful as it has been designed in the Cold War context. He also discusses the disarmament perspectives in an unsteady international environment where power and arms race logics prevail again

Decision no. 2011-DC-0215 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering ITER Organization to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of its basic nuclear facility in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to the ITER Organization, operator of the ITER tokamak facility of Cadarache (France). (J.S.)

Management of waste from french nuclear fuel cycle: what are the key issues?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Londres, V.; Do Quang, R.; Fournier, P.

2000-01-01

Like any other industry, the nuclear industry generates waste. This waste arises in the different successive stages of the fuel cycle, including nuclear power plants, and its physical and chemical properties vary greatly. What is special about it is the radioactivity it contains. Management of waste generated by spent fuel conditioning in nuclear reprocessing facilities, and which cannot be stored in surface repositories, according to current French regulations (ILW and HLW), is specifically discussed in this paper. (authors)

The French nuclear safety authority's experience with radioactive transport inspection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jacob, E.; Aguilar, J.

2004-01-01

About 300,000 radioactive material packages are transported annually in France. Most consist of radioisotopes for medical, pharmaceutical or industrial use. On the other hand, the nuclear industry deals with the transport of fuel cycle materials (uranium, fuel assemblies, etc.) and waste from power plants, reprocessing plants and research centers. France is also a transit country for shipments such as spent fuel packages from Switzerland or Germany, which are bound for Sellafield in Great Britain. The French nuclear safety authority (DGSNR: Directorate General for Nuclear Safety and Radioprotection) has been responsible since 1997 for the safety of radioactive material transport. This paper presents DGNSR's experience with transport inspection: a feedback of key points based on 300 inspections achieved during the past five years is given

Nuclear reactor effluent monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Minns, J.L.; Essig, T.H.

1993-01-01

Radiological environmental monitoring and effluent monitoring at nuclear power plants is important both for normal operations, as well as in the event of an accident. During normal operations, environmental monitoring verifies the effectiveness of in-plant measures for controlling the release of radioactive materials in the plant. Following an accident, it would be an additional mechanism for estimating doses to members of the general public. This paper identifies the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatory basis for requiring radiological environmental and effluent monitoring, licensee conditions for effluent and environmental monitoring, NRC independent oversight activities, and NRC's program results

Nuclear reactor effluent monitoring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Minns, J.L.; Essig, T.H. [Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)

1993-12-31

Radiological environmental monitoring and effluent monitoring at nuclear power plants is important both for normal operations, as well as in the event of an accident. During normal operations, environmental monitoring verifies the effectiveness of in-plant measures for controlling the release of radioactive materials in the plant. Following an accident, it would be an additional mechanism for estimating doses to members of the general public. This paper identifies the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatory basis for requiring radiological environmental and effluent monitoring, licensee conditions for effluent and environmental monitoring, NRC independent oversight activities, and NRC`s program results.

Childhood leukaemia incidence below the age of 5 years near French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laurier, D; Hemon, D; Clavel, J

2008-01-01

A recent study indicated an excess risk of leukaemia among children under the age of 5 years living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in Germany. We present results relating to the incidence of childhood leukaemia in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in France for the same age range. These results do not indicate an excess risk of leukaemia in young children living near French nuclear power plants. (note)

Radiological monitoring. Controlling surface water pollution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morin, Maxime

2018-01-01

Throughout France, surface waters (from rivers to brooks) located at the vicinity of nuclear or industrial sites, are subject to regular radiological monitoring. An example is given with the radiological monitoring of a small river near La Hague Areva's plant, where contaminations have been detected with the help of the French IRSN nuclear safety research organization. The sampling method and various measurement types are described

Nuclear energy. The post-Fukushima situation, debate about the French exception, the energy transition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bezat, J.M.; Tazieff, H.; Morin, H.; Le Hir, P.; Vincent, C.; Labbe, M.H.; Viansson-Ponte, P.; Saint-James, D.; Tatu, M.; Pons, P.; Kempf, H.; Lemaitre, F.; Baudet, M.B.; Armagnac, B. d'; Allix, G.; Foucart, S.; Barroux, R.

2011-01-01

Published 8 months after the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident, this special issue of Le Monde newspaper takes stock of the nuclear question. Prior to the Fukushima accident, the civil nuclear industry experienced two other major accidents: Three Miles Island (US, 1979) with limited and controlled impacts, and Chernobyl (USSR, 1986) with enormous impacts. The recent Japanese catastrophe has revived the questions concerning this risky technology. However, according to the IAEA, the civil nuclear energy should continue to develop in the future but in a more moderate way. Germany announced in June 2011 the shutdown of its last reactor by 2022, while France remained an exception until the Fukushima accident with a large political consensus among the general public in favor of nuclear energy. The nuclear phasing out or the energy transition is a complex question which is explored in this special issue. Content: 1 - The nuclear world: a moderate growth of the nuclear industry; interview of Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of IAEA; 441 reactors in operation in the world in January 2011; France has chosen the all-nuclear option; critics: a 'costly, unadapted, useless' nuclear program; interview of Valery Giscard d'Estaing, former French President; the nuclear industry actors; nuclear dismantling: a what cost?; how to manage the 250.000 tons of spent fuels; 2 - A risky technology: radioactivity measurement and effects; how to manage contaminations; four generations of reactors; ITER: a solar project; imagining the unimaginable and anticipating the worse; the wake up of a dozed off fear; the most important accidents: the progress of the three main nuclear catastrophes, the human mistake of Three Mile Island, the days after the Chernobyl accident, in the dead cities around Fukushima; interview of Kenzaburo Oe (Japanese writer); the Blayais power plant to the test; 3 - The energy transition: is France capable to abandon nuclear energy?; Germany is going to re-launch gas- and coal

Protection against fire hazards in French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chapus, J.

2000-01-01

The prevention of fire in French nuclear power plants has followed the evolution of safety regulations. Today fire hazards are no longer considered as classical industrial risks but as specific risks that deserve to be studied thoroughly and in a more formalized form. In the beginning of the eighties EDF was committed to the redaction of a technical referential against fire gathering all the directives applicable to the N4-type plant (1450 MW). In 1994 this technical referential was reconsidered and enlarged in order to involve 900 MW and 1300 MW units. In each nuclear power plant a PAI (plan against fire) has been elaborated so that the installation can be progressively upgraded according to the last standard defined by the technical referential. (A.C.)

Forbidden love. A French position on the future of nuclear energy; Verbotene Liebe. Eine franzoesische Position zur Zukunft der Kernenergie

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jaureguy-Naudin, Maite [Institut Francais des Relations Internationales (Ifri), Paris (France). Centre Energie

2013-03-15

The French electricity supply system is based on nuclear energy, with three quarters of total electricity production originating from nuclear power plants. The sector has grown continuously over a period of 60 years. For a long time the realms of politics and science were in consensus about the use of nuclear energy for civil purposes, but now the French nuclear dogma is increasingly being called into question as a result of the disaster in Fukushima, the German decision to phase out nuclear energy and European energy policy in general. How will France shape its future energy policy given these altered framework conditions?.

Psychological empowerment in French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fillol, Charlotte

2011-01-01

Since the eighties, nuclear safety has been discussed in organizational studies and constitutes nowadays a specific stream with several standpoints. Regarding the reliability of nuclear plants, the nuclear safety literature has emphasized on the crucial role of individuals and human factors. Especially, some researchers have noticed rule breaking behavior and the impact of individual self-confidence on the behavior; but without deepening their analyses. As high self-esteem and confidence, i.e. psychological empowerment, naturally lead to innovation and rule breaking, the behavior can be analyzed, in such a regulated industry, as opposite to safety. Thus, this article aims at explaining the roots and discernable features of the observed psychological empowerment. Methods include an in-depth qualitative study in 4 nuclear power plants owned by Electricite de France (EDF), the French national nuclear power operator. Focused on the leading team of the plant, the set of data is composed of 35 interviews, 6 weeks of non-participant observation and internal documents. The content analysis has revealed two main pillars of psychological empowerment. On the first hand, the strong professional identity developed at the opening of the plants is based on initiative and risk-taking. In some ways, this professional identify fostered by commitment to a demanding job and the team, influences behavior more than do professional rules. On the second hand, the management discourse is perceived as ambiguous towards the strict application of the rules and tacitly legitimizes rule breaking behavior. This article details and exemplifies these phenomena and discusses the implications. (author)

Decision no. 2011-DC-0214 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering CIS bio international company to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of its basic nuclear facility in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to CIS bio international company, operator of the radiopharmaceuticals fabrication facility (INB 29) of Saclay (France). (J.S.)

The French nuclear sector. Situation and predictions 2018 - Sectoral and competitive analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2017-01-01

This document comprises two reports. A first one, published and updated three times a year, and a second one which is a yearly publication. The first one, based on an analysis of market perspectives and of actor strategies, proposes a synthesis on the consequences of the evolution of the economic environment, on major trends noticed for the nuclear sector, and on predictable evolutions. It proposes the most recent data regarding the activities of more than 100 firms belonging to the sector (notably in terms of electric power production, of turnover for firms specialised in nuclear maintenance or in the fuel cycle). It highlights recent events for companies of the sector: takeovers, investments, restructuring, introduction of new products, and so on. It proposes a sector-based dashboard which contains all the critical figures useful to analyse the sector situation (activity determining factors, key figures for the sector and its environment). The annual report proposes a general presentation of the sector (determining factors of the activity, operated nuclear plants in the world, nuclear power production in the world, uranium production and consumption in the world, maintenance and improvement expenses on nuclear plants, electric power consumption and shares in power generation by different sources in France), an analysis of the evolution of the sector activity (trends, indicators, financial performance of actors in the maintenance of nuclear plants), an overview of important issues for the profession (growth issue despite the maturity of the French market, implications of intensification of foreign competition, of higher safety requirements, and of a decrease of nuclear energy profitability), and an analysis of the sector economic structure (turnovers, personnel, position of France among world exporters, equipment export structure, key figures for nuclear maintenance). The last part proposes presentations of 20 French actors and data and information sheets for 10

Decision no. 2011-DC-0219 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering the SOCATRI company to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of some of its basic nuclear facilities in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to the SOCATRI company, operator of the nuclear dismantling and waste processing plants of the Tricastin site (France). (J.S.)

Decision no. 2011-DC-0222 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering the Comurhex company to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of some of its basic nuclear facilities in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to Comurhex company, operator of the Tricastin uranium conversion plant (France). (J.S.)

Germany surrounded by ionizing radiation sources from aging nuclear power plants. Update of French data 2012-2014

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scherb, Hagen; Voigt, Kristina

2016-01-01

The detrimental genetic impact of nuclear facilities has been an important research issue in the past. We studied the birth sex ratio, technically sex odds, near nuclear facilities including all nuclear power plants in France, Germany, and Switzerland. We found evidence for an increase in the birth sex odds for distances of up to 40 km from nuclear facilities. Here, we update our analysis of the French data from 1968 to 2011 with most recent data from 2012 to 2014. Within 20 km from the considered 28 pertinent nuclear facilities in France we see a pronounced increasing sex ratio trend compared to the rest of France where the well-known highly significant global sex ratio decrease prevails. Correspondingly, within the 20 km minimum distance from nuclear facilities in France, the sex odds is elevated, relative to the rest of France, with a sex odds ratio (SOR) of 1.0063 (95%CI: 1.0031, 1.0095) p<0.0001. Therefore, the new French data corroborate our previous findings.

Germany surrounded by ionizing radiation sources from aging nuclear power plants. Update of French data 2012-2014

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Scherb, Hagen; Voigt, Kristina [Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum fuer Gesundheit und Umwelt GmbH, Neuherberg (Germany)

2016-07-01

The detrimental genetic impact of nuclear facilities has been an important research issue in the past. We studied the birth sex ratio, technically sex odds, near nuclear facilities including all nuclear power plants in France, Germany, and Switzerland. We found evidence for an increase in the birth sex odds for distances of up to 40 km from nuclear facilities. Here, we update our analysis of the French data from 1968 to 2011 with most recent data from 2012 to 2014. Within 20 km from the considered 28 pertinent nuclear facilities in France we see a pronounced increasing sex ratio trend compared to the rest of France where the well-known highly significant global sex ratio decrease prevails. Correspondingly, within the 20 km minimum distance from nuclear facilities in France, the sex odds is elevated, relative to the rest of France, with a sex odds ratio (SOR) of 1.0063 (95%CI: 1.0031, 1.0095) p<0.0001. Therefore, the new French data corroborate our previous findings.

Inquiry commission of the consequences of atmospheric nuclear tests performed between 1966 and 1974 in French Polynesia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

After having outlined that the French Polynesia institutions want to make their own assessment of 30 years of nuclear tests, this document presents the inquiry commission set up by the French Polynesia Council, and what this commission has done. It outlines the present consequences of the nuclear tests performed in Polynesia, proposes a summary of the inquiry commission report, and formulates a set of recommendations. Appendices contain a text published by the CRIIRAD after a mission in Polynesia, a reference to an indemnification law in the United States, and a bill proposition

The struggle of the veterans of the French nuclear tests; La lutte des veterans des essais nucleaires francais

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2005-07-01

The question debated in this article concerns the demand of compensation and recognition of the impact on their health of nuclear tests. The military personnel that worked during nuclear tests in French Polynesia and the Sahara sites, but also the inhabitants of the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa equally in French Polynesia. An observatory of the veterans health has been created in order to improve the medical management of military personnel and former military personnel. An association 'Moruroa e tatou' contains the Polynesian former workers of the Nuclear tests of the Pacific and the association A.V.E.N. contains the veterans of nuclear tests. numerous examples are detailed. The question is tackled too for the consequences on health of the British nuclear tests, in Australia, Christmas Islands, and New Zealand. (N.C.)

Opinion on the radio-ecological monitoring of waters around nuclear installations and on the management of old nuclear waste warehousing sites: 18 recommendations to improve information, transparency and dialogue with involved parties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2008-01-01

After a presentation of the different actors (agencies, institutions, companies) involved in the activities of the various French nuclear installations (base nuclear installations and those concerning the national defence), this report describes the radio-ecological monitoring performed around these nuclear sites: water surveillance on these sites and within their environment, regulatory requirements on effluents and surveillance, information provided by operators and by institutional organisations, assessment of the radio-ecological status of nuclear sites and of potential environmental and health impacts. It describes regulatory obligation in terms of public information, information and communication actions, and gives an assessment of the High committee about public information quality. It discusses ways to improve this quality for a higher transparency, to reinforce the role of local information commissions (CLI), and improve site monitoring. All these aspects are grouped in 18 recommendations

Ingredients of success in the design and construction of the french nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bacher, P.; Panossian, J.; Riollet, G.

1989-01-01

A nuclear program can be compared to a pastry. There are many ingredients, a lot of know-how, an adequate cooking and some good luck to achieve success or back luck to fail. The French nuclear program has had all the ingredients of success and the necessary luck. The present paper presents the major ingredients: strong and well defined policies, an adapted industrial organization, original management methods, dedicated men, political and popular support. The main results of the French program, well known today, are only briefly be presented. The last part of the paper show the very strong interactions between operation and design, and how experience is fed back into the design both of new and of older plants. The conclusion calls for new ingredients for future success

Decision no. 2011-DC-0223 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering the MELOX SA company to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of some of its basic nuclear facilities in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to MELOX SA company, operator of the Melox MOX fuel fabrication plant of Marcoule (France). (J.S.)

Decision no. 2011-DC-0218 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering the EURODIF SA company to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of some of its basic nuclear facilities in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to the EURODIF SA company, operator of the George Besse I uranium enrichment plant of the Tricastin site (France). (J.S.)

French nuclear dissuasion after the cold war: continuity, ruptures, questions; La dissuasion nucleaire francaise apres la guerre froide: continuite, ruptures, interrogations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tertrais, B

2000-07-01

Nuclear dissuasion is a slow and permanent process of adjustment to the strategic environment. French dissuasion adaptation to the new international environment covers a full decade, starting in the 1989-1992 era with a re-evaluation of defense programs. It has been followed by the 1994 defense white book which opens up the European perspective and reaches its peak in 1996 with a series of major decisions: renouncement of surface-to-surface missiles, launching of the M51 program, end of nuclear tests and shift towards simulation, dismantling of fissile materials production facilities etc. This process shows up two logics: the one of continuity with the confirmation of the bases of the French nuclear doctrine, and the one of discontinuity with significant changes in the general domain of the French nuclear policy. It also opens up questions about the field of application of dissuasion and the future of the nuclear consensus. (J.S.)

Assessment of the impacts of the French nuclear program on the environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naudet, G.

1994-01-01

This paper is an assessment of the impact of the French nuclear program on investments, on electricity price, on electricity and energy demand and especially on environment. The impact on atmosphere pollution which is based on a macro economic long term model (called MELODY), particularly detailed for the energy sector, is outlined. (TEC). 10 figs., 1 tab., 4 refs

The perception of nuclear risks on French sites: social actors and rumors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Timbal-Duclaux, L.

1983-01-01

This study summarizes the main French researchs on people living close to nuclear plants and their perception of nuclear risks. The ethnological approach was utilized, consisting in an observer living long periods of time on the site. It shows the existence of a ''psychogeographical'' zone in which people fell concerned by the building of the plant. This event reinforce the existing tensions between the social actors in the field of the site. The plant is seen as a ''big work'' ''eating'' land from agriculture and recreation, mixed with a nuclear thing mysterious and dangerous. Perceptions and rumors are greatly varying depending time and space. These results may be applied to a better siting of the plants [fr

Complementary assessment of the safety of French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Camarcat, N.; Pouget-Abadie, X.

2011-01-01

As an immediate consequence of the Fukushima accident the French nuclear safety Authority (ASN) asked EDF to perform a complementary safety assessment for each nuclear power plant dealing with 3 points: 1) the consequences of exceptional natural disasters, 2) the consequences of total loss of electrical power, and 3) the management of emergency situations. The safety margin has to be assessed considering 3 main points: first a review of the conformity to the initial safety requirements, secondly the resistance to events overdoing what the facility was designed to stand for, and the feasibility of any modification susceptible to improve the safety of the facility. This article details the specifications of such assessment, the methodology followed by EDF, the task organization and the time schedule. (A.C.)

French experience in using programmable systems for the control and the protection of nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jover, P.

1986-01-01

The paper presents the results obtained in the use of two automated systems important to safety in 1300 MWE French nuclear reactors: the numerical integrated protection system (SPIN) and the logical control system (CONTROBLOC)

An example of the use of robotics in French nuclear power plants the ISIS robot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seguy, J.; Thirion, H.

1988-01-01

The authors report how Robotics in French nuclear power plants (NPP) is used to solve maintenance problems. One of the most typical example of the use of robotics in French NPP is the ISIS robot. The first generation of this robot has performed the repair of corroded upper internal structures in Chinon A3 gaz cooled reactor. Two robots of this type have successfully welded more than 200 repair parts in the core without major failure during more than 12,000 hours

French people and the nuclear - Detailed results, June 2013. Ifop for Dimanche Ouest France

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fourquet, Jerome; Pratviel, Esteban

2013-06-01

This document presents the results of a survey performed by IFOP on the perception of the nuclear sector by French people, two years after the Fukushima accident. After a presentation of the adopted methodology (sample, survey mode, error margins), the main lessons of this survey are stated. Results are then presented. They concern the opinion on the use of nuclear energy, on the desirable evolution of the nuclear share in energy production. They presented globally and with respect to various categories (gender, age, profession, status, place of residence, political opinion and vote)

The French energy policy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maillard, D.; Baulinet, Ch.; Lajoinie, A.

2001-01-01

France has to face strong energy challenges: a heavy energy bill, increasing supplies risk, no decreasing CO 2 emissions, deregulation of energy markets, nuclear controversy etc.. In consequence, the French government has defined a voluntaristic energy policy with a better balance between the development of renewable energies and the mastery of energy and without renouncing the advantages of nuclear energy. In parallel, the electric power and natural gas industries have to cope with the deregulation of energy markets and the resulting competition. This issue of 'Energies et Matieres Premieres' newsletter comprises 3 articles. The first one gives a general presentation of the French energy policy ('mobilizing our margins of manoeuvre without renouncing our stakes'): challenges of the energy policy (greenhouse effect, security of supplies, long-term worldwide energy context, European integration, nuclear contestation), stakes for France (evolution of production structure, advantages of the French energy status), renewable energies and energy saving, long-term view of the nuclear industry, managing together the dynamism of competition and the advantages of public utilities. The second article entitled 'energy for everybody: a challenge for the 21. century' is a reprint of the introduction of the information report registered on January 31, 2001 by the commission of production and exchanges of the French national assembly. The third article is a reprint of the summary of conclusions and recommendations of the IEA about the French energy policy. (J.S.)

French PWR safety philosophy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Conte, M.

1986-05-01

Increasing knowledge and lessons learned from starting and operating experience of French nuclear power plants, completed by the experience learned from the operation of foreign reactors, has contributed to the improvement of French PWR design and safety philosophy. Based on a deterministic approach, the French safety analysis was progressively completed by a probabilistic approach, each of them having possibilities and limits. As a consequence of the global risk objective set in 1977 for nuclear reactors, safety analysis was extended to the evaluation of events more complex than the conventional ones, and later to the evaluation of the feasibility of the offsite emergency plans in case of severe accidents

Radioactivity monitoring in French Polynesia and other countries and territories year 1998

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-07-01

This report presents the results of measures made in 1998 to provide the radioactivity monitoring in environment and food chains in french Polynesia. It does not concern the Fangataufa and Mururoa sites. The only radionuclides detected in the air, land and sea sampling of the French Polynesia are long life elements (Sr 90 included). The results of measurements are often under the detection limit, and when they are significant they stay very low. The efficient year dose coming from radioactivity for the Tahiti island is inferior or equal to 4 micro sievert for 1998. The annual radiation doses estimated in relation with exposure to artificial radionuclides are for the adults between 2 and 6 micro sievert and for children between 2 and five micro sievert. (N.C.)

Radioactivity monitoring in French Polynesia and others countries and territories year 1999

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2000-08-01

This report presents the results of measures made in 1999 to provide the radioactivity monitoring in environment and food chains in french Polynesia. It does not concern the Fangataufa and Mururoa sites. The only radionuclides detected in the air, land and sea sampling of the French Polynesia are long life elements (Sr 90 included). The results of measurements are often under the detection limit, and when they are significant they stay very low. The efficient year dose coming from radioactivity for the Tahiti island is inferior or equal to 4 micro sievert for 1999. The annual radiation doses estimated in relation with exposure to artificial radionuclides are for the adults between 2 and 6 micro sievert and for children between 2 and five micro sievert. (N.C.)

Are the French authorities beginning to prepare for nuclear accident?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Autret, J.C.

2008-01-01

This article, published in issue 80 of 'l'ACROnique du nucleaire', aims to retrace the early steps in the consideration of the possibility of a nuclear accident in France, with the inclusion of 'non-institutional' participants and applying the lessons learned in Belarus in the contaminated territories around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. After a review of the origin of the involvement of the Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l'Ouest (ACRO) in addressing post-accident issues alongside the populations living in an environment polluted by radioactivity, it discusses, from the critical viewpoint of an NGO, the context and the working method adopted for this examination. This is followed by some key elements of the programme and unresolved questions about the available body of knowledge which motivates research and about the method adopted for the work. The conclusion, moderately optimistic, highlights some advances and limits arising during this exercise in a French nuclear scene which remains characterised by a centralized mode of management. (author)

Voices of nuclear power monitors in fiscal 1982

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1984-01-01

The system of nuclear power monitors was set up to hear candid opinions, etc. from general people on nuclear power development and utilization, and reflect them to nuclear power administration. As the monitors, 416 persons were selected across the country. The results in fiscal 1982 are described. (1) Questionnaire survey: Of the 416, 314 persons answered the questionnaire conducted in March, 1983, on future energy, nuclear power development, nuclear power safety administration, and nuclear power P.R. activities. (2) Occasional voices of monitors: Of the total 74 opinions, etc. from the monitors in fiscal 1982, 31 concerned the nuclear power P.R. activities, followed by 16 on nuclear power development and utilization, and 12 on nuclear power administration. (Mori, K.)

Law No. 2010-2 from January 5, 2010 relative to the acknowledgment and the indemnification of victims of French nuclear tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sarkozy, Nicolas; Fillon, Francois; Alliot-Marie, Michele; Hortefeux, Brice; Woerth, Eric; Morin, Herve; Bachelot-Narquin, Roselyne; Penchard, Marie-Luce

2010-01-01

This law, approved by the French House of Commons and Senate, deals with the indemnification of the victims of French nuclear tests performed in the Sahara and in French Polynesia between 1960 and 1974. It specifies the conditions to be fulfilled by the individuals concerned and suffering from a radio-induced disease resulting from an exposure to ionising radiations

French codes and standards for design, construction and in-service inspection of nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hugot, G.; Grandemange, J. M.

1995-01-01

In 1970, France decided that its future power plants would be of the Pressurized Water Reactor type. This choice proved to be successful since it resulted in more than 60 PWR units in operation or under construction in France and abroad. At the beginning of such a program, the French engineering and manufacturing industry, the national electrical utility and the Safety Authorities had to face the many challenges imposed by the implementation of an imported technology. The government reorganised the licensing process. FRAMATOME, the NSSS vendor, and EDF (Electricite de France), the national utility, decided to create 'AFCEN', the French Association for Design and Construction Rules for Nuclear Island Components. These rules, the RCC's (Regles de Construction et de conception), which are approved by French Safety Authorities deal with mechanical and electrical equipment as well as with nuclear fuel and civil works. They are now being supplemented by in service inspection rules, the RSE's (Regles d'inspection en Service). The paper presents these Codes and their main updating following experience of application, technical progress and evolution of standards. Status of discussion concerning reference to European standardisation and developments of rules applicable to the EPR project will also be discussed

Decision no. 2011-DC-0216 of the French nuclear safety authority from May 5, 2011, ordering the Laue Langevin Institute to proceed to a complementary safety evaluation of its basic nuclear facility (high flux reactor - INB no. 67) in the eyes of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

As a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Japan), the French Prime Minister entrusted the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) with the mission to carry out a safety analysis re-evaluation of the French nuclear facilities, and in particular the nuclear power plants. A decision has been addressed by the ASN to each nuclear operator with the specifications of this safety re-evaluation analysis and the list of facilities in concern. This document is the decision addressed to the Laue Langevin Institute, operator of the high flux research reactor (RHF) of Grenoble (France). (J.S.)

The nuclear fuel cycle industry. World situation: the place of the French industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sornein, J.

1978-01-01

The decision taken the day following the end of the second world war to create a French industry for the nuclear fuel cycle, the speed and dimension of its development from 1946 to 1966, the strengthening of its acquired knowledge during the following five years, lastly, the fact that, since 1972, it was able to make great strides, will have been in short the fruit of the remarkable continuity of an unfailing political will. Consequently it was possible beyond doubt, as soon as the ineluctable consequences of the oil crisis were evaluated, to give the French nuclear fuel cycle industry the new objectives which will succeed in granting it a foremost dimension on the international scale. In the three branches constituting the base of this industry (natural, enrichment, reprocessing), all these objectives will be reached by 1985. Their realization will permit our country to cover, in all security, not only its domestic needs but also to pursue a policy to sell materials and services for export at competitive prices [fr

The french nuclear industry is looking for an american partner; Le nucleaire francais cherche un allie americain

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-07-01

In the same time of the nuclear industry revival in USA by the President Bush, TOPCO the holding society which is going to group the main french nuclear society, is looking for an american partner. This report deals with the economic and political aspects of the situation. (A.L.B.)

Project of law relative to the sanitary consequences of French nuclear weapons tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2009-05-01

In order to make easy the indemnifications and to include the persons having participate to nuclear weapons tests (Sahara and French Polynesia) and populations leaving in the concerned areas, the project of law relative to the repair of sanitary consequences of nuclear weapons tests proposes to create a right to integral repair of prejudices for the persons suffering of a radioinduced disease coming from these tests. The American example and the British example are given for comparison. The modalities of financing are detailed as well as the social economic and administrative impacts. (N.C.)

The French energy programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bohnen, U.

1980-01-01

The challenge of the oil crisis made French energy policy react chiefly by means of a programme for the rapid expansion of nuclear energy which has become unparalleled because of its systematic realization. The following article gives a survey of this programme and its political preconditions. The French energy programme deserves special attention as the utilization of nuclear energy in France including all related activities has reached a more advanced stage than in most other countries. The effects and requirements connected with such an extensive programme which can therefore be investigated with the help of the French example migth be of importance also for other countries in a similar way. (orig./UA) [de

Nuclear safety: economic analysis of American, French and Japanese regulations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leveque, Francois

2013-05-01

While discussing and comparing the American, Japanese and French approaches and practices, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each of them, the author discusses why self-regulation and civil responsibility cannot guarantee a sufficient nuclear safety level, why the safety regulation authority must be independent from industry and government, whether a figure must be put to the safety objective (for example with a risk threshold), whether it is better to define detailed standards to be applied by manufacturers and operators or to define general performance criteria to be reached

Status of radioactivity monitoring in French Polynesia in 2012. Synthesis of IRSN's monitoring network results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bouisset, P.; Bernagout, S.; Leclerc, G.; Rua, J.; Delabbaye, P.; De Vismes, P.A.

2013-01-01

Exercised in Polynesia since 1962, the radiological monitoring of the French environment, which takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagos, and consists of taking regular samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food...) with which the population may be in contact. Regarding food, the samples analyzed are representative of the diet of Polynesians living in the five archipelagos of that territory, and from the marine environment of the open sea, from the lagoon environment and from the terrestrial environment. Almost all the samples are measured at the Laboratory for the Study and Monitoring of the Environment (LESE) IRSN, based in Vairao on the island of Tahiti. During the year 2012, were stable and typical of the regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates primarily to the 137 Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 μSv.y -1 (5 micro-sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 0,5 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1 000 μSv.y -1 ). Enhanced radiological monitoring of the environment set up in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, continued in 2012 in the marine field. The measurements carried out throughout the year confirm the lack of impact of the contamination of Japanese marine area in Polynesian waters. Samples of pelagic fish (tuna, swordfish, dolphin fish, wahoo...) were made in the vicinity of five Polynesian archipelagos: no increase of 137 Cs compared to previous years was observed and 134 Cs was never detected. (authors) [fr

Nuclear Explosion Monitoring History and Research and Development

Science.gov (United States)

Hawkins, W. L.; Zucca, J. J.

2008-12-01

Within a year after the nuclear detonations over Hiroshima and Nagasaki the Baruch Plan was presented to the newly formed United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (June 14, 1946) to establish nuclear disarmament and international control over all nuclear activities. These controls would allow only the peaceful use of atomic energy. The plan was rejected through a Security Council veto primarily because of the resistance to unlimited inspections. Since that time there have been many multilateral, and bilateral agreements, and unilateral declarations to limit or eliminate nuclear detonations. Almost all of theses agreements (i.e. treaties) call for some type of monitoring. We will review a timeline showing the history of nuclear testing and the more important treaties. We will also describe testing operations, containment, phenomenology, and observations. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) which has been signed by 179 countries (ratified by 144) established the International Monitoring System global verification regime which employs seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic and radionuclide monitoring techniques. The CTBT also includes on-site inspection to clarify whether a nuclear explosion has been carried out in violation of the Treaty. The US Department of Energy (DOE) through its National Nuclear Security Agency's Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring R&D Program supports research by US National Laboratories, and universities and industry internationally to detect, locate, and identify nuclear detonations. This research program builds on the broad base of monitoring expertise developed over several decades. Annually the DOE and the US Department of Defense jointly solicit monitoring research proposals. Areas of research include: seismic regional characterization and wave propagation, seismic event detection and location, seismic identification and source characterization, hydroacoustic monitoring, radionuclide monitoring, infrasound monitoring, and

Experience of load following in French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miossec, C.

1989-01-01

The relative importance of the French nuclear programme has reached such a scale that nuclear power stations can no longer be operated in the base load mode: their capacity exceeded the network demands for 1200 hours in 1983 and it is estimated that this figure will move to 5200 hours in 1990; their power should be able to vary flexibly. These figures illustrate the policy of substituting nuclear power plants for fossil-fired plants and explain the need for nuclear units to provide a quality of service at least equal to that of their ''elders'', which, for several years, have regularly participated in load following. Electricite de France (EDF) therefore had to perform the studies and work necessary to provide nuclear units with the required modulation capacity. There are several grid requirements and three types of flexibility are to be distinguished. The first, load follow, is fundamental when adapting to demand. The second type of flexibility, frequency adjustment, is another important factor in the quality of the product delivered to the consumer. The third type of flexibility is participation in the spinning reserve. When automatic operations are inadequate, available power reserves must be used to support the gird. Load following operations are performed. The operating mode with load modulation is subject to authorisations issued by the governmental organisations responsible for nuclear safety. EDF and the manufacturers have had to prove that such operations remain compatible with safety under normal operating conditions and, in the event of incidents, modulation should be capable of considerably modifying the initial conditions. (5 figures). (Author)

Evaluation of PWR's operating experience. Significant events which influenced French nuclear power program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dupuis, M.C.

1986-10-01

This report discusses developments or changes in safety policy (whether statutory or otherwise) and in plant design and operation, which, in many cases, correlate. When considering these events, it is important to bear in mind the standardization policy characterizing the French nuclear power program, and implying central decision-making, both for the safety authorities and the operating utility [fr

Integrated project-management information systems: the French nuclear industry experience

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jacquin, J.C.; Capuin, G.M.

1988-01-01

In the early eighties, and in the French case from 1985, the development of the data-processing industry has made the real integration of project-management information systems feasible, and the data-base administration function has been extended to all facets of the engineering process. The new systems had to take into account the existing ones which were still operating efficiently and the new problems encountered due to the changes in the environment. One of these new problems was equipment and materials management, as the period of plants built in series had vanished, and the industry was obliged to build plants individually. The challenge encountered by the French nuclear industry in terms of the project-management information systems was to adapt efficiently to the new situation, and the purpose of this paper is to describe the most-significant elements of this adaptation. The authors review: (2) the objectives established by the company's general management; (2) the organization put into place to reach these objectives; (3) the main choices made; and (4) the economics. 3 references, 1 figure, 1 table.

Integrated project-management information systems: the French nuclear industry experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jacquin, J.C.; Capuin, G.M.

1988-01-01

In the early eighties, and in the French case from 1985, the development of the data-processing industry has made the real integration of project-management information systems feasible, and the data-base administration function has been extended to all facets of the engineering process. The new systems had to take into account the existing ones which were still operating efficiently and the new problems encountered due to the changes in the environment. One of these new problems was equipment and materials management, as the period of plants built in series had vanished, and the industry was obliged to build plants individually. The challenge encountered by the French nuclear industry in terms of the project-management information systems was to adapt efficiently to the new situation, and the purpose of this paper is to describe the most-significant elements of this adaptation. The authors review: (2) the objectives established by the company's general management; (2) the organization put into place to reach these objectives; (3) the main choices made; and (4) the economics. 3 references, 1 figure, 1 table

Composition and fundamental requirements of nuclear emergency response monitoring equipment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lai Yongfang; Huang Weiqi; Wang Yonghong

2009-01-01

Nuclear emergency monitoring equipment is concrete foundation for accomplishing radiation monitoring in nuclear or radiation accidents. Based on technical report: Generic procedures for monitoring in a nuclear or radiological emergency published by IAEA in 1999, this paper presents the main task and composition of nuclear emergency monitoring briefly, and then the basic equipment and trends of nuclear emergency monitoring equipment is put forward in detail, which is useful to construction and reinforcement of our nuclear emergency monitoring. (authors)

Unplanned unavailability of the French nuclear plants. Evolution. Outstanding facts applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coppe, P.

2001-01-01

The presentation gives a description of the unplanned unavailability of the whole French nuclear units on the aspect performance. The French fleet comprises 58 nuclear units including 34 from the series 900 MW, 20 from the stage 1300 MW and 4 units from the new series N4 of 1450 MW recently commissioned. Because of this width, even if the unavailability of the park remains on a low level on average, the experience feedback on this parameter gives very a rich lesson. The general evolution of unavailability over the last years is the subject of the first part of the talk. Several modes of analysis are examined: by year on the whole of the units, for the various series, by order of age of the various units. The different modes of gathering are examined and others are evoked, in order to reveal those which allow an optimal use of the experience feedback. The outstanding facts are then presented: the principal causes of unavailability are raised and examined. Certain equipment stand out particularly: the reasons of these singularities are exposed as well as the lesson and the modifications brought, the committed actions. Finally the applications resulting from the studies of the unplanned unavailability of the nuclear units are developed. Of course they relate in the forefront to the field of maintenance with the use of these studies within the framework of optimized and adapted programs of maintenance. The contributions are examined. The aging evolution of the plants is also analyzed starting from these studies. The stress is put however on a less obvious application: this one of the future units in design. (author)

Unmanned Mobile Monitoring for Nuclear Emergency Response

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Choi, YoungSoo; Park, JongWon; Kim, TaeWon; Jeong, KyungMin [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-10-15

Severe accidents at nuclear power plant have led to significant consequences to the people, the environment or the facility. Therefore, the appropriate response is required for the mitigation of the accidents. In the past, most of responses were performed by human beings, but it was dangerous and risky. In this paper, we proposed unmanned mobile system for the monitoring of nuclear accident in order to response effectively. For the integrity of reactor cooling and containment building, reactor cooling pipe and hydrogen distribution monitoring with unmanned ground vehicle was designed. And, for the safety of workers, radiation distribution monitoring with unmanned aerial vehicle was designed. Unmanned mobile monitoring system was proposed to respond nuclear accidents effectively. Concept of reinforcing the integrity of RCS and containment building, and radiation distribution monitoring were described. RCS flow measuring, hydrogen distribution measuring and radiation monitoring deployed at unmanned vehicle were proposed. These systems could be a method for the preparedness of effective response of nuclear accidents.

Determination of {sup 90}Sr, {sup 63}Ni and {sup 55}Fe activities by liquid scintillation counting in the environmental samples close to French nuclear power plants located on Loire and Garonne rivers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rousseau, G.; Mokili, M.B.; Le Roy, C.; Deniau, I. [SUBATECH, IN2P3 (France); Gontier, G.; Boyer, C. [EDF-DPI-DIN-CIDEN (France); Hemidy, P.Y. [EDF-DPN-UNIE-GPRE-IEV (France); Chardon, P. [CNRS/IN2P3 (France)

2014-07-01

The protection of the aquatic and terrestrial environment from a wide range of radioactive contaminants released by nuclear industry requires continuous monitoring of radionuclides released into the environment. Specific measurement methods depending of the radionuclide are used to determinate this contribution. A lot of radionuclide can easily be measured at low level by gamma spectrometry, like {sup 137}Cs, {sup 60}Co..., but others like {sup 90}Sr, {sup 63}Ni or {sup 55}Fe require prior specific radiochemical separations. Activity of {sup 90}Sr values in environmental samples are available but only few measurements of {sup 63}Ni and {sup 55}Fe activities have been carried out in samples collected in the environment close to French nuclear power plants located on the Loire and Garonne rivers despite they represent 12% to 24% for {sup 63}Ni activity and <1% for {sup 55}Fe + other minor radionuclides of total activity of their liquid effluent discharges. {sup 90}Sr is not rejected by the liquid effluent discharges of Nuclear Power Plants and can be found in the environmental samples because of thermonuclear test and subsequently after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Considering the French Nuclear Power Plant located on Loire and Garonne rivers, the determination of {sup 90}Sr, {sup 63}Ni and {sup 55}Fe levels in the environmental samples around French nuclear power plants is carried out to detect the traces of these radionuclides originating from nuclear technology activities. The environment around five French nuclear Power Plants was investigated for 4 years between 2009 and 2014. The radionuclide activities determined by liquid scintillation counting after chemical steps were performed on a large set of various matrix samples likely to be encountered in environmental monitoring as soils, sediments, terrestrial and aquatic bio-indicators. It was found that the mean activity concentration of the most frequently detected was for the radionuclide {sup 90

EDGAR, a new plant radiation monitoring system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vuong, Q.M.; Da Costa Vieira, D.

2004-01-01

The EDGAR system is a new radiation monitoring system for nuclear power plant, reprocessing plant and nuclear research reactor for radioactive contamination, gamma and neutron field monitoring. Developed by French Atomic Energy Agency, this system provides not only complete functions of standard RMS, also allows spectroscopy level detection of alpha and beta particles based on a patented collimator unit. A complete computerized approach has been taken allowing full installation control in a single PC based display and communication unit. (author)

Development of control room design in French PWR nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guesnier, G.

1996-01-01

The layouts of the control rooms of the French nuclear power stations have undergone great development in the period 1970-1990. The control rooms, with an architecture similar to that of the oil fired power stations, were similar to those of the 1300 MW blocks in which the human factor was emphasised. For the selection of a computerised control room for the N4 series, comprehensive functional and ergonomical validation on a full simulator was required. (author) 3 figs., 7 refs

More than 30 years of opinion of French people on nuclear risks - Special release of the 2012 IRSN opinion survey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El Jammal, Marie-Helene; Rollinger, Francois; Mur, Emmanuelle; Schuler, Matthieu; Tchernia, Jean-Francois

2013-01-01

Illustrated by many graphs and tables, this report comments and discusses the evolution of opinion surveys performed in France on the perception of nuclear risks through thirty annual IRSN opinion surveys. It appears that the opinion on nuclear is rather steady, and that French people have a rather rational perception of risk hierarchy. The first part outlines that unemployment is the main concern for French people, and that environmental concerns depend on current events. The second part analyses the perception of the nuclear risk with respect to other societal concerns and to other risks, and discusses the evolution of opinion from a quantitative to a qualitative sensitivity. The third part addresses the representations people have of nuclear activities and how they challenge the reality: perception of nuclear plants and of radioactive wastes, fear of a serious accident. The last part deals with issues related to responsibilities, abilities and governance: how actors of nuclear risk management are perceived, and expectations in terms of transparency and opinion plurality

Surface air concentration and deposition of lead-210 in French Guiana: two years of continuous monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Melieres, Marie-Antoinette; Pourchet, Michel; Richard, Sandrine

2003-01-01

To make up for the lack of data on 210 Pb aerosol deposition in tropical regions and to use this radionuclide as an aerosol tracer,a monitoring station was run for two years at Petit-Saut, French Guiana. Lead-210 concentration in air at ground level was monitored continuously together with atmospheric total deposition. The air concentration has a mean value of 0.23±0.02 mBq m -3 during both wet and dry seasons, and it is only weakly affected by the precipitation mechanism. This result was unexpected in a wet tropical region, with a high precipitation rate. In contrast, deposition clearly correlates with precipitation for low/moderate rainfall ( -2 y -1 . This provides a procedure fo estimating this mean flux at other sites in French Guiana

Dictionary of nuclear engineering. English-German-French-Russian. Kerntechnik. Englisch-Deutsch-Franzoesisch-Russisch

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sube, R

1985-01-01

This volume contains nearly 30,000 entries from all branches of nuclear engineering excluding biological aspects, health physics, and isotope applications in medicine and agriculture. The terminology used in the International Nuclear Information System (INIS) of the IAEA has been completely taken into account. Each English entry is numbered and is followed by corresponding terms in the other languages. Alphabetical indexes of the German, French, and Russian terms are included. At the end of the volume, there is a section devoted to the transliteration of place-names between the English names and their Cyrillic equivalents, and vice versa.

The 36. French Language Colloquium on Nuclear Medicine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bourguet, P.

1997-01-01

This issue of the journal 'Medecine Nucleaire - Imagerie Fonctionnelle et Metabolique' contains the short communications, abstracts of the poster communications and lectures presented in the 36. French Language Colloquium on Nuclear Medicine held at Rennes - Saint-Malo on 1 to 3 October, 1997. According to their content the communications were bunched in the following sessions: Radioprotection-Environment, Cardiology-Pneumology, Endocrinology, Oncology-Diagnosis, Oncology-Therapy, Neurology, Radiobiology, Radioprotection, Osteo-articulary, Uro-Nephrology, Hepato-Gastroenterology, Radiopharmaceuticals, Immuno-analysis, Instrumentation-Image Processing. The overwhelming majority of the papers presented dealt with the use of radioisotopes and radiolabelled complexes in diagnosis and therapy especially, by means of PET and SPECT techniques. The colloquium proceedings are completed by two lectures on Radioimmunotherapy of lymphomas and use of PET in tumor imaging considered from the cost efficiency

Development of nuclear power plant Risk Monitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Xiaoming; Sun Jinlong; Ma Chao; Wang Lin; Gu Xiaohui; Bao Zhenli; Qu Yong; Zheng Hao

2014-01-01

Risk Monitor is a tool to monitor the real-time risk of a nuclear power plant for risk management and comprehensive decision-making, which has been widely used all over the world. The nuclear power plant Risk Monitor applies the real-time risk model with low-complicacy that could reflect the plant's actual configuration, automatically reads the plant's configuration information from the engineering system through the developed interface, and efficiently analyzes the plant's risk Dy the intelligent parallel-computing method in order to provide the risk basement for the safety management of nuclear power plant. This paper generally introduces the background, architecture, functions and key technical features of a nuclear power plant Risk Monitor, and validates the risk result, which could well reflect the plant's risk information and has a significant practical value. (authors)

Highlights of the French program on PWR fuel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pages, J P [CEA Centre d` Etudes de Cadarache, 13 - Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France). Direction des Reacteurs Nucleaires

1997-12-01

The presentation reviews the French programme on PWR fuel including the overall results of the year 1996 for nuclear operation; fuel management and economy; French nuclear electricity generation sites; production of nuclear generated electricity; energy availability of the 900 and 1,300 Mw PWR units; average radioactive liquid releases excluding tritium per unit; plutonium recycling experience.

The power of the will and the French nuclear programme; Volontarisme du programme nucleaire francais

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boureille, P. [Ministre de la Defense, Dept. Marine, Service Historique de la Defense, 75 - Paris (France)

2010-03-15

Using certain key episodes in the development of the French nuclear deterrent as examples, the author illustrates the extent to which boldness of decision-making, combined with far-thinking and resolute vision, is the foundation of any international defence policy built for the long term. (author)

French Senate debate on nuclear deterrence; Dissuasion nucleaire francaise

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vincon, S. [UMP Cher (France); Bentegeat, H. [Cema, 75 - Paris (France); Verwaerde, D. [CEA Bruyeres le Chatel, 91 (France); Quinlan, M. [IISS, Londre (United Kingdom); Tertrais, B. [Fondation pour la Recherche Strategique (FRS), 75 - Paris (France)

2006-07-15

The Senate committee on foreign affairs, defence and the Armed Forces met at a round table session on 14 June 2006 to discuss French nuclear deterrence. Serge Vincon presided the discussion, which covered three aspects of the subject: first, an analysis of the current and medium-term future strategic contexts and their consequences for the role of deterrence, and thus whether or not current doctrine is matched to current and future threats; second, the assets dedicated to deterrence, how well they reflect doctrine and how they fit in with other defence priorities; and finally an examination of Britain position within NATO along with future possibilities arising from closer European defence cooperation. (author)

Special monitoring in nuclear medicine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beltran, C.C.; Puerta, J.A.; Morales, J.

2006-01-01

Colombia counts with around 56 centers of Nuclear Medicine, 70 Nuclear Doctors and more of 100 Technologists in this area. The radioisotopes more used are the 131 I and the 99m Tc. The radiological surveillance singular in the country is carried out for external dosimetry, being the surveillance by incorporation of radioactive materials very sporadic in our media. Given the necessity to implement monitoring programs in the incorporation of radionuclides of the occupationally exposed personnel, in the routine practice them routine of Nuclear Medicine, it was implemented a pilot program of Special Monitoring with two centers of importance in the city of Medellin. This program it was carried out with the purpose of educating, to stimulate and to establish a program of reference monitoring with base in the National Program of Monitoring in the radionuclides Incorporation that serves like base for its application at level of all the services of Nuclear Medicine in the country. This monitoring type was carried out with the purpose of obtaining information on the work routine in these centers, form of manipulation and dosage of the radionuclides, as well as the administration to the patient. The application of the program was carried out to define the frequency of Monitoring and analysis technique for the implementation of a program of routine monitoring, following the recommendations of the International Commission of Radiological Protection. For their application methods of activity evaluation were used in urine and in 7 workers thyroid, of those which only two deserve an analysis because they presented important activities. The measures were carried out during one month, every day by means in urine samples and to the most critic case is practiced two thyroid measures, one in the middle of the period and another when concluding the monitoring. To the other guy is practiced an activity count in thyroid when concluding the monitoring period. The obtained result of the

Project for a realistic energy transition - The contribution of the French Nuclear Energy Society (SFEN) to the national debate on energy transition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2013-01-01

In this publication, the SFEN association first outlines the criticality of the energy issue for the world: energy production must be increased while the use of fossil energies must be decreased to reduce CO 2 emissions. This will need a new energy model to be implemented. The authors briefly characterize the French situation regarding energy and its objectives. They outline the major requirement: the reduction of the use of fossil energies. They suggest a slowing down of energy demand through a policy of energy efficiency. This decrease of the use of fossil energies should result in an increased share of electricity in the energy mix. The authors comment the benefits, limitations and uncertainties related to renewable energies. They also address the role of nuclear energy in the French situation with respect to purchasing power, competitiveness, de-industrialisation, unemployment and trade balance. They criticize the objectives of reduction of the nuclear share in the energy mix, and finally briefly evoke world perspectives and French orientations. In parallel, other information are provided about the relationship between nuclear and CO 2 , the situation in Germany, renewable energies, nuclear safety, the issue of nuclear wastes, and the EPR

Chernobyl: exclusive investigation. How the French nuclear lobby buries the truth in contaminated areas. The After-Chernobyl or 'Living happy' in contaminated area

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

According to the results of this inquiry, the CEPN (study centre on assessment of protection in the nuclear sector) has been created by the main actors of the nuclear industrial sector (EFG, Cogema, CEA and IRSN) and is at the origin of the ETHOS and CORE projects. Moreover, these projects have been financed by public funds. It also shows that the FNSEA (farmer trade union) has been allied to the French nuclear lobby for the distribution probably contaminated and radioactive foodstuff. It evokes the case of Belarus researcher who denounced such contamination and the misappropriation of international funds, and who was sent to jail. It comments the collaboration between the French nuclear sector and the Belarus regime, denounces how the truth about Chernobyl has been hidden, the cynical results of the ETOS program which would imply the consumption of contaminated foodstuff in France in case of nuclear accident. Some proposals are made: to dismantle the CEPN, to stop the participation of French organisations to the CORE and FARMING programs, creation of an independent commission on the consequences of the Chernobyl accident, and so on. For the authors, phasing out nuclear is the only solution o avoid a new Chernobyl

French wholesale electricity and gas markets in 2007. Monitoring report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2008-12-01

Settled on 24 March 2000, the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) is an independent authority. CRE supports an efficient functioning of the electricity and natural gas markets, to the advantage of final consumers. CRE ensures the absence of any discrimination, cross subsidy or obstacle to competition. CRE has examined the functioning of the wholesale markets for electricity and gas for the year 2007. The report discloses the results of a first set of analyses, as well as the next actions to be conducted in order to explain some observed behaviour. On the basis of analyses led on the electricity market, CRE observes that nuclear generation was marginal during 15% of the hours in 2007. Hydraulic generation was marginal during 25% of the hours, coal generation during 25% to 30% of the hours and oil generation during less than 2% of the hours in 2007. Finally, prices on the border markets were of high importance on the French prices which they determined during 20% to 25% of the hours of the year. On an efficient market, the price is driven by the marginal power plant among all those which contribute to satisfy the demand. Therefore the wholesale price formation is conditioned by the frequency of marginality of each generation sector and by the associated valuation of production. On the day-ahead market, when nuclear or hydraulic generation was marginal, the day-ahead price reflected the associated valuation which was decided by EDF. The level of this valuation was generally higher than the marginal generation cost of these plants. As a matter of fact, a producer, even market dominant, may legitimately seek to optimise its income, provided that there is no abuse of a dominant position or any price manipulation. Consequently, at this stage, the relevance of the valuation method for nuclear and hydraulic generation on the wholesale market is still to be checked. CRE has also demonstrated that generation transparency, even if it gradually increased, still needs to

Atom and France. The origins of the French techno-science

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Belot, Robert

2015-01-01

France is the most 'nuclearized' country in the world, while French people is nowadays less or more strongly suspicious about nuclear energy and its consequences. This book, written by an historian and a geo-politics University teacher, presents the story of the French technical and industrial revival in the early postwar period, with the intense effort on nuclear energy that was pushed by Charles de Gaulle's vision with the help of the French Communist party: creation of the CEA (Centre d'etudes atomiques) in 1945, less than two months after the Hiroshima bombing; the predominance of the rational and scientific doctrine of progress ploughing its roots in the French 18. century (the Age of Enlightenment); the social and political issues and effects of the Cold War on the military as well as civil French nuclear program, etc

Environmental monitoring of nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koelzer, W.

1988-01-01

Environmental monitoring of nuclear facilities is part of general monitoring for environmental radioactivity all over the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. General principles of environmental monitoring were formulated by the ICRP in 1965. In 1974 guidelines for measures of monitoring the environment of NPP incorporating LWR were drafted, which helped to standardize environmental monitoring programs. Since 1958, data on environmental radioactivity from measurements by authorized laboratories have been published in reports. (DG)

Dose monitoring in nuclear emergency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nan Hongjie; Yang Zhongping; Lei Xin

2012-01-01

In order to protect people from irradiation sickness and rebuild the radiation filed in nuclear emergency, personal and environmental dose need to be monitored. The application of TLD in dose monitoring is discussed in this paper. (authors)

Evolution of caesium 137 levels in coconut water and copra in french Polynesia, since 1967

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kabis de Saint-Chamas, L.; Bablet, J.P.; Ducousso, R.; Arnould, C.

1991-01-01

Nuclear experiments have been carried out by France in french Polynesia since 1966. The tests were first atmospheric, they have been underground since 1975. The experiment monitoring programme includes monitoring of 137 Cs contents in coconuts from the whole french polynesian territory. The methodology is described and the results of the 2 589 samples collected for 1967 to 1988 are presented. The maximum content found since 1967 is 52 Bq.kg -1 for coconut water and 289 Bq.kg -1 for coconut copra. The decrease of 137 Cs content is constant without discontinuity, whatever the distance from the explosion sites. The committed dose equivalent from 137 Cs delivered by coconut water and copra consumption represents only a few microsieverts a year [fr

Protection of French nuclear power plants against flooding risks - 15307

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbaud, J.

2015-01-01

In France, the flooding risk has been taken into account since the beginning of the nuclear program and has been reinforced following operating feedback from French and international power plants. The main events which led to reinforcement were the partial flooding in the Blayais NPP that occurred in 1999 and the Fukushima accident in 2011. The current French fleet is composed of 58 PWR reactors located on 19 sites: 4 sites are sea side, 1 side is located on an estuary and all other are located on river side. The lessons learned from the Blayais event are: -) an update of the hazard evaluation of the risks, -) a new assessment of the sufficiency of the protective measures, and -) the taking into account of aggravating risks associated to support functions such as site inaccessibility, loss of off-site power, etc. The lessons learned from the Fukushima accident have confirmed and enhanced lessons from the Blayais event. In addition the Fukushima accident has underlined the need to have sufficient margins beyond the design to avoid cliff edge effects. The improvements implemented on the Blayais and the Belleville sites are detailed

Project of law authorizing the approval of the agreement between the government of the French republic and the government of the Russian federation relative to the civil liability by way of nuclear damage owing to the supply of materials from the French republic devoted to nuclear facilities in the Russian federation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raffarin, J.P.; Villepin, D. de

2002-01-01

An agreement between France and Russia was signed on June 20, 2000 about the civil liability of Russia because of the supply of French material devoted to Russian nuclear facilities. This agreement was necessary because Russia do not belong to any of the two big international civil liability systems relative to nuclear energy, i.e. the Paris convention from July 29, 1960 (in the OECD framework) and the Vienna convention from May 21, 1963 (in the IAEA framework). This agreement offers a protection to the French nuclear suppliers against any damage claims in the case of a nuclear accident occurring on the Russian federation territory. This project of law aims at approving this agreement. (J.S.)

Analysis of general specifications for nuclear facilities environmental monitoring vehicles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu Xiaowei

2014-01-01

At present, with the nuclear energy more increasingly extensive application, the continuous stable radiation monitoring has become the focus of the public attention. The main purpose of the environmental monitoring vehicle for the continuous monitoring of the environmental radiation dose rate and the radionuclides concentration in the medium around nuclear facilities is that the environmental radiation level and the radioactive nuclides activity in the environment medium are measured. The radioactive pollution levels, the scope contaminated and the trends of the pollution accumulation are found out. The change trends for the pollution are observed and the monitoring results are explained. The domestic demand of the environmental monitoring for the nuclear facilities is shown in this report. The changes and demands of the routine environmental monitoring and the nuclear emergency monitoring are researched. The revision opinions for EJ/T 981-1995 General specifications for nuclear facilities environmental monitoring vehicles are put forward. The purpose is to regulate domestic environmental monitoring vehicle technical criterion. The criterion makes it better able to adapt and serve the environmental monitoring for nuclear facilities. The technical guarantee is provided for the environmental monitoring of the nuclear facilities. (authors)

Nuclear reactor instrumentation power monitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suzuki, Shigeru.

1989-01-01

The present invention concerns a nuclear reactor instrumentation power monitor that can be used in, for example, BWR type nuclear power plants. Signals from multi-channel detectors disposed on field units are converted respectively by LPRM signal circuits. Then, the converted signals are further converted by a multiplexer into digital signals and transmitted as serial data to a central monitor unit. The thus transmitted serial data are converted into parallel data in the signal processing section of the central monitor unit. Then, LPRM signals are taken out from each of channel detectors to conduct mathematical processing such as trip judgment or averaging. Accordingly, the field unit and the central monitor unit can be connected by way of only one data transmission cable thereby enabling to reduce the number of cables. Further, since the data are transmitted on digital form, it less undergoes effect of noises. (I.S.)

Revisiting the cost escalation curse of nuclear power. New lessons from the French experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Escobar Rangel, Lina; Leveque, Francois

2012-01-01

Since the first wave of nuclear reactors in 1970 to the construction of Generation III+ reactors in Finland and France in 2005 and 2007 respectively, nuclear power seems to be doomed to a cost escalation curse. In this paper we reexamine this issue for the French nuclear power fleet. Using the construction costs from the Cour des Comptes report, that was publicly available in 2012, we found that previous studies overestimated the cost escalation. Although, it is undeniable that the scale-up ended up in more costly reactors, we found evidence of a learning curve within the same size and type of reactors. This result confirms that standardization is a good direction to look, in order to overcome the cost escalation curse. (authors)

Proposition of law relative to the sanitary follow up of French nuclear tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2008-03-01

The present proposition of law has for object to answer the expectation of all the persons who have participated as military personnel or civilians in nuclear tests made by France between February 13., 1960 and January 27., 1996, or lived near the nuclear test sites of Sahara (Reggane) or in French Polynesia. The same pathologies are noticed among the veteran or the populations having lived near the nuclear tests sites of the other nuclear countries which made the same experiments. It is the case in United States, in Great Britain, in Australia, in New Zealand and in Fidgi. In these different countries having a democratic system similar to ours, the governments took concrete measures to accede to the demands of their nationals. It thus turns out that a legislative initiative would represent a strong message of gratitude towards all those who had to undergo aftereffects on their health and that of their descendants of the only fact of their participation in the nuclear experiments of France. (N.C.)

Design of a monitoring network over France in case of a radiological accidental release

Science.gov (United States)

Abida, Rachid; Bocquet, Marc; Vercauteren, Nikki; Isnard, Olivier

The Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (France) is planning the set-up of an automatic nuclear aerosol monitoring network over the French territory. Each of the stations will be able to automatically sample the air aerosol content and provide activity concentration measurements on several radionuclides. This should help monitor the French and neighbouring countries nuclear power plants set. It would help evaluate the impact of a radiological incident occurring at one of these nuclear facilities. This paper is devoted to the spatial design of such a network. Here, any potential network is judged on its ability to extrapolate activity concentrations measured on the network stations over the whole domain. The performance of a network is quantitatively assessed through a cost function that measures the discrepancy between the extrapolation and the true concentration fields. These true fields are obtained through the computation of a database of dispersion accidents over one year of meteorology and originating from 20 French nuclear sites. A close to optimal network is then looked for using a simulated annealing optimisation. The results emphasise the importance of the cost function in the design of a network aimed at monitoring an accidental dispersion. Several choices of norm used in the cost function are studied and give way to different designs. The influence of the number of stations is discussed. A comparison with a purely geometric approach which does not involve simulations with a chemistry-transport model is performed.

Action taken by the french safety authorities for fire protection and fire fighting in basic nuclear plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Savornin, J.; Gibault, M.; Berger, R.; Kaluzny, Y.; Wallard, H.E.; Winter, D.

1989-03-01

The safety goal for nuclear installations is to prevent the dispersal of radioactive substances, both in the work area and outside the buildings into the environment. It is therefore at the design stage, then during construction and subsequent operation that it is necessary to take preventive measures against the outbreak of fire, and to take precautions to ensure that the consequences will always be limited. The paper describes the arrangements made by the French safety authorities to provide protection against fire in both nuclear plants and nuclear fuel cycle installations at all these stages

Surface air concentration and deposition of lead-210 in French Guiana: two years of continuous monitoring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Melieres, Marie-Antoinette E-mail: melieres@glaciog.ujf-grenoble.fr; Pourchet, Michel; Richard, Sandrine

2003-07-01

To make up for the lack of data on {sup 210}Pb aerosol deposition in tropical regions and to use this radionuclide as an aerosol tracer,a monitoring station was run for two years at Petit-Saut, French Guiana. Lead-210 concentration in air at ground level was monitored continuously together with atmospheric total deposition. The air concentration has a mean value of 0.23{+-}0.02 mBq m{sup -3} during both wet and dry seasons, and it is only weakly affected by the precipitation mechanism. This result was unexpected in a wet tropical region, with a high precipitation rate. In contrast, deposition clearly correlates with precipitation for low/moderate rainfall (<15 cm per 15-day), while this correlation is masked by strong fluctuations at high rainfall. The estimated mean annual deposition over the last ten years is 163{+-}75 Bq m{sup -2} y{sup -1}. This provides a procedure fo estimating this mean flux at other sites in French Guiana.

Project TANDEM (Tsunamis in the Atlantic and the English ChaNnel: Definition of the Effects through numerical Modeling) (2014-2018): a French initiative to draw lessons from the Tohoku-oki tsunami on French coastal nuclear facilities

Science.gov (United States)

Hébert, Hélène; Abadie, Stéphane; Benoit, Michel; Créach, Ronan; Frère, Antoine; Gailler, Audrey; Garzaglia, Sébastien; Hayashi, Yutaka; Loevenbruck, Anne; Macary, Olivier; Marcer, Richard; Morichon, Denis; Pedreros, Rodrigo; Rebour, Vincent; Ricchiuto, Mario; Silva Jacinto, Ricardo; Terrier, Monique; Toucanne, Samuel; Traversa, Paola; Violeau, Damien

2014-05-01

TANDEM (Tsunamis in the Atlantic and the English ChaNnel: Definition of the Effects through numerical Modeling) is a French research project dedicated to the appraisal of coastal effects due to tsunami waves on the French coastlines, with a special focus on the Atlantic and Channel coastlines, where French civil nuclear facilities have been operating since about 30 years. This project aims at drawing conclusions from the 2011 catastrophic tsunami, and will allow, together with a Japanese research partner, to design, adapt and validate numerical methods of tsunami hazard assessment, using the outstanding database of the 2011 tsunami. Then the validated methods will be applied to estimate, as accurately as possible, the tsunami hazard for the French Atlantic and Channel coastlines, in order to provide guidance for risk assessment on the nuclear facilities. The project TANDEM follows the recommendations of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to analyse the tsunami exposure of the nuclear facilities, as well as the recommendations of the French Nuclear Safety Authority (Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire, ASN) in the aftermath of the 2011 catastrophe, which required the licensee of nuclear facilities to conduct complementary safety assessments (CSA), also including "the robustness beyond their design basis". The tsunami hazard deserves an appraisal in the light of the 2011 catastrophe, to check whether any unforeseen tsunami impact can be expected for these facilities. TANDEM aims at defining the tsunami effects expected for the French Atlantic and Channel coastlines, basically from numerical modeling methods, through adaptation and improvement of numerical methods, in order to study tsunami impacts down to the interaction with coastal structures (thus sometimes using 3D approaches) (WP1). Then the methods will be tested to better characterize and quantify the associated uncertainties (in the source, the propagation, and the coastal impact) (WP2). The project will

Voices of nuclear-power monitors in fiscal 1981

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1983-01-01

The system of ''nuclear-power monitors'', started in fiscal 1977, is for the purpose of hearing the opinions of general people on nuclear power development and utilization and reflecting the results to the governmental nuclear power administration. The number of monitors in fiscal 1981 is a total of 504. The results in the fiscal year are described: (1) Questionnaire survey: The survey was made from March 10 to 25, 1982. Of the total, 355 (70.4%) answered the questions concerning the following matters: the future of energy, the development of nuclear power, the administration of nuclear power safety, and nuclear power public relations. (2) Voices (opinion) sent by the monitors: Of the total 150 items sent from September, 1981, to March, 1982, 48 concerned public relations, 26 were about the development and utilization and 25 were about the safety. (Mori, K.)

From the 'Le Blayais NPP' flooding in 1999 to the review of French regulation for the protection of nuclear facilities against external flooding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dupuy, P.

2011-01-01

On 27 December 1999, a severe storm occurred in the vicinity of the 'Le Blayais' Nuclear Power Plant located on the banks of the Gironde estuary. The severe storm-driven waves coincident with high water levels in the Gironde estuary exceeded the worst-case scenario considered at the design of the site protection against flooding, resulting in the scram of three out of four units and severe nuclear island flooding. Several underground rooms sheltering equipment important to safety were flooded. This partial flooding incident has called into question the design bases defined in the French Basic Safety Rule (BSR) I.2.e for the protection of French NPPs against external flooding in particular in terms of flood events and combinations of flood events considered for the design. It has also revealed some weaknesses in the existing measures implemented, especially the site protection dykes, the protection of equipment important to safety, the warning systems and the emergency organization. Following this incident, in addition to the rush through protection measures undertaken on Le Blayais NPP, the utility Electricity De France (EDF) has launched a wide review of the protection of all French NPPs against external flooding. This review is based on a new and more comprehensive methodology for the protection of NPPs against external flooding (called 'REX Blayais methodology'), including a reassessment of flood events and their combinations and of all protection measures. This review has led EDF to carry out a large number of modifications and improvements at all NPP sites. 'REX Blayais methodology' and its application to all French NPPs were submitted to the approval of the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in 2001 and then in 2007 after being analyzed by its technical support IRSN (French Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety). The methodology and the level of protection of the NPPs thanks to all the improvements and modifications performed by the utility were

The French emirs of uranium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lucas, N.

1978-01-01

The French energy plan is described under the following heads: structure of supply/use; nuclear energy; oil consumption; coal consumption; gas consumption; energy conservation; renewable resources. The section on nuclear energy covers: nuclear programmes, uranium supplies (mining and enrichment), fuel fabrication and reprocessing, finance and economics, political and administrative aspects, nuclear trade, development of fast breeder reactor. (U.K.)

Progress on health physics monitoring systems at the French Atomic Energy Commission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grimont, B.; Joffre, H.; Leblanc, P.

1977-01-01

The need for health physics protection on nuclear plants or laboratory (nuclear power plant, fuel processing plant, etc) leads to data measurement and monitoring centralisation. This paper reviews the systems used for that purpose: old monobloc electronic systems, mini computer system, recent microprocessor-based system, it shows the impact of new methods on the system performances : standardization of measurements and alarms level for irradiation and contamination, reliability, peripherals devices (typewriters, CRT) availability for easy and efficient monitoring, and hardware compactness [fr

Special monitoring in nuclear medicine; Monitoreo especial en medicina nuclear

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Beltran, C.C.; Puerta, J.A.; Morales, J. [Asociacion Colombiana de Proteccion Radiologica (Colombia)]. e-mail: ccbeltra@gmail.com

2006-07-01

Colombia counts with around 56 centers of Nuclear Medicine, 70 Nuclear Doctors and more of 100 Technologists in this area. The radioisotopes more used are the {sup 131} I and the {sup 99m} Tc. The radiological surveillance singular in the country is carried out for external dosimetry, being the surveillance by incorporation of radioactive materials very sporadic in our media. Given the necessity to implement monitoring programs in the incorporation of radionuclides of the occupationally exposed personnel, in the routine practice them routine of Nuclear Medicine, it was implemented a pilot program of Special Monitoring with two centers of importance in the city of Medellin. This program it was carried out with the purpose of educating, to stimulate and to establish a program of reference monitoring with base in the National Program of Monitoring in the radionuclides Incorporation that serves like base for its application at level of all the services of Nuclear Medicine in the country. This monitoring type was carried out with the purpose of obtaining information on the work routine in these centers, form of manipulation and dosage of the radionuclides, as well as the administration to the patient. The application of the program was carried out to define the frequency of Monitoring and analysis technique for the implementation of a program of routine monitoring, following the recommendations of the International Commission of Radiological Protection. For their application methods of activity evaluation were used in urine and in 7 workers thyroid, of those which only two deserve an analysis because they presented important activities. The measures were carried out during one month, every day by means in urine samples and to the most critic case is practiced two thyroid measures, one in the middle of the period and another when concluding the monitoring. To the other guy is practiced an activity count in thyroid when concluding the monitoring period. The obtained

Overview of the French offer in nuclear training: 60 years to serve development and knowledge transfer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fanjas, Y.; Navon-Gross, A.; Mougel, B.; Verdier, A.

2017-01-01

As early as the beginning of its nuclear program, France has developed a wide range of higher education programs and occupational training in nuclear sciences, nuclear technologies and nuclear engineering. INSTN (Institute for Nuclear Sciences and Nuclear Technologies) was founded in 1956 inside CEA premises at Saclay to issue the diploma of 'ingenieur en genie atomique'. This diploma is still delivered and celebrated its 60. anniversary in 2016. A large course offering has been added to the sole initial INSTN diploma. Throughout France and each year about 2000 students are awarded a diploma opening the gates of nuclear industry or research from vocational baccalaureates (130) to doctoral thesis (200) via engineer/master degrees (1270). Continuous training has also been developed, employees from the nuclear industry benefit from 16 days a year of training in average. French high education systems are open to foreign students and 9 master degrees in nuclear engineering are entirely taught in English. (A.C.)

Nuclear material discovery or loss: the French experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zanetti, S.H.

2006-01-01

In a nuclear facility, when a difference between the physical inventory listing and accountancy records is discovered, the French law (Article 11 of the 'Decret 81-512') requires a declaration to the High Civil Servant for Defence of the Ministry in charge of Industry. Moreover, according to article L.1333-13 of the Defence Code, in case of a suspicion of loss, theft or diversion of nuclear material, the licensee has to declare this event to the police. In the meantime, an investigation is carried out in the facility, and in cooperation with other facilities if necessary. These measures are aimed at: - Finding the lost nuclear material (if any), - Understand the causes of the problem, - Solve the differences by acting on the PIL or/and accountancy records, - Act to prevent any other occurrence of this kind of event. These actions can take place in the general field of a police investigation. After all these facts and information have been gathered, the licensee writes down a complete file which is transferred to the High Civil Servant for Defence of the Ministry in charge of Industry, in order to be analysed by his technical support body (IRSN). Thus, the IRSN is able to give its conclusion to the authority about this event, especially regarding: - The causes of the event, - Relevance and completeness of investigations, - Pertinence of the corrections, - Relevance of corrective actions, - Probability of another occurrence. This system is useful to ensure a complete follow-up of the events occurring in the various nuclear facilities in France, to have an extensive overview of the problems on a national scale. If an item is found in a facility A, numerous questions must be answered: - Where does it come from? - Since when is it in facility A? - How did it happened that this item has been transferred from facility B to facility A without the transfer of information? - We will consider these issues through examples. This kind of event can be potentially very rich in

Global nuclear material monitoring with NDA and C/S data through integrated facility monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Howell, J.A.; Menlove, H.O.; Argo, P.; Goulding, C.; Klosterbuer, S.; Halbig, J.

1996-01-01

This paper focuses on a flexible, integrated demonstration of a monitoring approach for nuclear material monitoring. This includes aspects of item signature identification, perimeter portal monitoring, advanced data analysis, and communication as a part of an unattended continuous monitoring system in an operating nuclear facility. Advanced analysis is applied to the integrated nondestructive assay and containment and surveillance data that are synchronized in time. End result will be the foundation for a cost-effective monitoring system that could provide the necessary transparency even in areas that are denied to foreign nationals of both US and Russia should these processes and materials come under full-scope safeguards or bilateral agreements. Monitoring systems of this kind have the potential to provide additional benefits including improved nuclear facility security and safeguards and lower personnel radiation exposures. Demonstration facilities in this paper include VTRAP-prototype, Los Alamos Critical Assemblies Facility, Kazakhstan BM-350 Reactor monitor, DUPIC radiation monitoring, and JOYO and MONJU radiation monitoring

Radiological impact of the French nuclear program over the year 1990

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maccia, C.; Fagnani, F.

1980-01-01

This paper presents a practical assessment of environmental and health impact associated with the normal operation of the different facilities within the French uranium fuel cycle. (Only the PWR's are taken into account.) Fundamentally three objectives are considered in this impact assessment: the environment, the general public and the workers. The French nuclear program projected for 1990 consists in 50 reactors (PWR), distributed on about 24 sites, and is able to satisfy a demand of 304,5 TWh. Concerning each step of the uranium fuel cycle (mine, mill, conversion, enrichment, fuel abrication, reactor, reprocessing and transportation) the following health and physical indicators are used: 1) Liquid and gaseous activities annually released from normal operation of the facility. 2) Individual whole body dose-equivalent at the site boundary. 3) Collective dose equivalent for the general public 20-50 km from the site. 4) Individual and collective occupational radiation exposures. 5) Health effects estimated over the year 1990 by application of the last ICRP's coefficients (Publication No.26). Finally an application of the environmental commitment dose concept is included for the long half-life radionuclides released. (H.K.)

Reports by the Parliamentary Office for scientific and technological assessments. Tuesday, May 31, 2011. Hearing opened to the press on the organization of nuclear safety

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-05-01

Members of the French Parliament, and representatives of the French nuclear safety authority (ASN), of the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG), of the IAEA, of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), of the French institute for radiation protection and nuclear safety (IRSN) first address the international dimension of nuclear safety control. They describe, comment and discuss the situation of the Fukushima nuclear plant, the impact of this accident on France (cooperation with Japan, atmospheric measurement in France), the different national approaches to nuclear safety, the specifications for the audit of the French nuclear power plants and the security assessments foreseen for the European nuclear stock, the issue of international standard elaboration, the activity of the WANO in the field of international cooperation. In a second part, members of Parliament and representatives of the ASN, the IRSN, EDF, and AREVA and of the French committee of certification of companies for the training and monitoring of personnel working under ionizing radiation (CEFRI) describe, comment and discuss the nuclear safety modalities in France

Radiation monitor system for nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu Bingzhe; Guo Shusheng

1990-12-01

The system has 8 kinds of radiation monitors and 2 stage microcomputers designed for processing the data from each monitor, storaging the information, printing out and displaying on the colour CRT. The function of the system includes high-value alarm, warm alarm and failure alarm, so called t hree-level alarms . Two functions of the alarms are the threshold alarm and the tendency alarm, so that this system is an intelligency system. This system has high reliability and very wide range when LOCA accident takes place. It is aseismic and immune to industrial interference. The system can meet IEC-761-1 standard and is of nuclear safety 3rd class. Also the following monitors were designed: 133 Xe monitor, 131 I monitor, low-level liquid monitor and high radiation γ area monitor. The system can meet the requirements of nuclear power plants

Uranium mines and French mining companies: a magnificent adventure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blanc, J.

2008-01-01

The French mining adventure still arouses enthusiasm. The search for uranium began in 1945 with the creation of the Cea (Atomic Energy Board) whose one mission was to supply the nascent French nuclear programme with the necessary materials. Prospecting works were then led throughout France, Madagascar, the Ivory Coast and the French equatorial Africa. More than 60 years later the only surviving actor of this quest for uranium has become the mining department of Areva Nuclear Cycle which is itself a sub-company of Areva. The author, who was an ancient high executive of Cogema draws a detailed history of the French uranium mining industry with with its ups and downs, by analysing the impact of the 2 oil crisis and of the decline of nuclear energy in the decade following the Chernobyl accident. (A.C.)

Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research and Engineering Program - Strategic Plan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Casey, Leslie A. [DOE/NNSA

2004-09-01

The Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research and Engineering (NEM R&E) Program is dedicated to providing knowledge, technical expertise, and products to US agencies responsible for monitoring nuclear explosions in all environments and is successful in turning scientific breakthroughs into tools for use by operational monitoring agencies. To effectively address the rapidly evolving state of affairs, the NNSA NEM R&E program is structured around three program elements described within this strategic plan: Integration of New Monitoring Assets, Advanced Event Characterization, and Next-Generation Monitoring Systems. How the Program fits into the National effort and historical accomplishments are also addressed.

Nuclear methods monitor nutrition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allen, B.J.

1988-01-01

Neutron activation of nitrogen and hydrogen in the body, the isotope dilution technique and the measurement of naturally radioactive potassium in the body are among the new nuclear methods, now under collaborative development by the Australian Nuclear Scientific and Technology Organization and medical specialists from several Sydney hospitals. These methods allow medical specialists to monitor the patient's response to various diets and dietary treatments in cases of cystic fibrosis, anorexia nervosa, long-term surgical trauma, renal diseases and AIDS. ills

[Recommendations for inspections of the French nuclear safety authority].

Science.gov (United States)

Rousse, C; Chauvet, B

2015-10-01

The French nuclear safety authority is responsible for the control of radiation protection in radiotherapy since 2002. Controls are based on the public health and the labour codes and on the procedures defined by the controlled health care facility for its quality and safety management system according to ASN decision No. 2008-DC-0103. Inspectors verify the adequacy of the quality and safety management procedures and their implementation, and select process steps on the basis of feedback from events notified to ASN. Topics of the inspection are communicated to the facility at the launch of a campaign, which enables them to anticipate the inspectors' expectations. In cases where they are not physicians, inspectors are not allowed to access information covered by medical confidentiality. The consulted documents must therefore be expunged of any patient-identifying information. Exchanges before the inspection are intended to facilitate the provision of documents that may be consulted. Finally, exchange slots between inspectors and the local professionals must be organized. Based on improvements achieved by the health care centres and on recommendations from a joint working group of radiotherapy professionals and the nuclear safety authority, changes will be made in the control procedure that will be implemented when developing the inspection program for 2016-2019. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier SAS.

The role of research in nuclear regulation: A French perspective

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Livolant, M.

1997-01-01

Roughly speaking, the French Nuclear Protection and Safety Institute's role is similar in the French situation to the NRC administration role but with less authority role, which corresponds to another body in France. They define themselves as a technical support of the safety authorities. On the other hand, they have their own research laboratories. Among them, the most famous are the Phebus reactor and the Cabri reactor about which we have heard a lot these two days. They work on safety but also on protection of man and environment, management of accident conditions, security of transport, and safeguards. They have a relationship with utilities and with government authorities. With the utilities they have two types of technical evaluations. They make detailed technical studies of the safety reports presented to the authorities by the utility. On the research side, they participate in common research programs to resolve issues and to increase knowledge and understanding about safety related questions. With the governmental authorities, their role is to give advice on safety reports of existing or being-built installations and on more general policy questions like, for example, the safety principle to apply to the next generation of power plants. The decisions are left to the safety authorities, but they give a lot of advice and detailed studies about questions of safety

An Information Building on Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy for the French CEA Cadarache Research Center - 13492

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brunel, Guy; Denis, Dominique; Boulet, Alain [Commissariat a l' energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives - CEA-Cadarache, DEN/CEACAD/UCAP, 13108 Saint Paul lez Durance Cedex (France)

2013-07-01

The CEA Cadarache research center is one of the 10 research centers of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Distributed throughout various research platforms, it focuses on nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, new energy technologies (hydrogen, solar, biomass) and fundamental research in the field of vegetal biology. It is the most important technological research and development centers for energy in Europe. Considering the sensitive nature of nuclear activities, the questions surrounding the issue of radioactive waste, the nuclear energy and the social, economic and environmental concerns for present and future generations, the French Government asked nuclear actors to open communication and to give all the information asked by the Local Information Commission (CLI) and the public [1]. In this context, the CEA Cadarache has decided to better show and explain its expertise and experience in the area of nuclear energy and nuclear power plant design, and to make it available to stakeholders and to the public. CEA Cadarache receives each year more than 9000 visitors. To complete technical visits of the research facilities and laboratories, a scientific cultural center has been built in 2011 to inform the public on CEA Cadarache research activities and to facilitate the acceptance of nuclear energy in a way suited to the level of knowledge of the visitors. A modern interactive exhibition of 150 m{sup 2} allows visitors to find out more about energy, CEA Cadarache research programs, radioactive waste management and radiological impact on the research center activities. It also offers an auditorium for group discussions and for school groups to discover science through enjoyment. This communication center has received several thousand visitors since its opening on October 2011; the initial results of this experience are now available. It's possible to explain the design of this exhibition, to give some statistics on the number of the

An Information Building on Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy for the French CEA Cadarache Research Center - 13492

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brunel, Guy; Denis, Dominique; Boulet, Alain

2013-01-01

The CEA Cadarache research center is one of the 10 research centers of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Distributed throughout various research platforms, it focuses on nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, new energy technologies (hydrogen, solar, biomass) and fundamental research in the field of vegetal biology. It is the most important technological research and development centers for energy in Europe. Considering the sensitive nature of nuclear activities, the questions surrounding the issue of radioactive waste, the nuclear energy and the social, economic and environmental concerns for present and future generations, the French Government asked nuclear actors to open communication and to give all the information asked by the Local Information Commission (CLI) and the public [1]. In this context, the CEA Cadarache has decided to better show and explain its expertise and experience in the area of nuclear energy and nuclear power plant design, and to make it available to stakeholders and to the public. CEA Cadarache receives each year more than 9000 visitors. To complete technical visits of the research facilities and laboratories, a scientific cultural center has been built in 2011 to inform the public on CEA Cadarache research activities and to facilitate the acceptance of nuclear energy in a way suited to the level of knowledge of the visitors. A modern interactive exhibition of 150 m 2 allows visitors to find out more about energy, CEA Cadarache research programs, radioactive waste management and radiological impact on the research center activities. It also offers an auditorium for group discussions and for school groups to discover science through enjoyment. This communication center has received several thousand visitors since its opening on October 2011; the initial results of this experience are now available. It's possible to explain the design of this exhibition, to give some statistics on the number of the visitors

The french opinion barometer and the energy in june 2006

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

This barometer presents the opinion of a representative of 2013 french people, about three main themes: the nuclear, the attitude facing the fuel prices increase and the electric power from renewable energies. For a short majority of French, the nuclear electric power offers for the most part advantages (problems of accidents and radioactive wastes management, but no greenhouse effect impact and economical advantages). Most of French modified their attitude following the fuels prices increase and place the fuel consumption as a major criteria for a new vehicle purchase. The French are in majority favour of the renewable energies. (A.L.B.)

Complementary safety assessments - Report by the French Nuclear Safety Authority

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-12-01

As an immediate consequence of the Fukushima accident, the French Authority of Nuclear Safety (ASN) launched a campaign of on-site inspections and asked operators (mainly EDF, AREVA and CEA) to make complementary assessments of the safety of the nuclear facilities they manage. The approach defined by ASN for the complementary safety assessments (CSA) is to study the behaviour of nuclear facilities in severe accidents situations caused by an off-site natural hazard according to accident scenarios exceeding the current baseline safety requirements. This approach can be broken into 2 phases: first conformity to current design and secondly an approach to the beyond design-basis scenarios built around the principle of defence in depth. 38 inspections were performed on issues linked to the causes of the Fukushima crisis. It appears that some sites have to reinforce the robustness of the heat sink. The CSA confirmed that the processes put into place at EDF to detect non-conformities were satisfactory. The complementary safety assessments demonstrated that the current seismic margins on the EDF nuclear reactors are satisfactory. With regard to flooding, the complementary safety assessments show that the complete reassessment carried out following the flooding of the Le Blayais nuclear power plant in 1999 offers the installations a high level of protection against the risk of flooding. Concerning the loss of electrical power supplies and the loss of cooling systems, the analysis of EDF's CSA reports showed that certain heat sink and electrical power supply loss scenarios can, if nothing is done, lead to core melt in just a few hours in the most unfavourable circumstances. As for nuclear facilities that are not power or experimental reactors, some difficulties have appeared to implement the CSA approach that was initially devised for reactors. Generally speaking, ASN considers that the safety of nuclear facilities must be made more robust to improbable risks which are not

Incidence of childhood leukemia around French nuclear sites between 1990 and 1998

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

White-Koning, M.; Hemon, D.; Goubin, A.; Clavel, J.; Laurier, D.; Tirmarche, M.; Jougla, E.

2006-01-01

The works presented here constitute the first systematic study of the incidence of childhood leukemia around the whole of French nuclear facilities. Globally, the incidence of childhood leukemia does not diverge significantly of the expected incidence during the period 1990-1998. It does not show a decrease of S.I.R. (standardized incidence ratio) in function of the distance from child's home to the nuclear site whatever be the age. This study represents the first analysis of the incidence of leukemia focusing on 29 French nuclear sites, including the whole of the 19 C.N.P.E. ( nuclear power plants that produce electric power), and is based on incidence data rather than mortality. The period, the age groups and the studied area have been all chosen a priori, that gives a statistical validity to the results. The estimation of population at risk have been made with several different methods of interpolation in order to check the stability of estimations. The different methods of statistical analysis used have lead to extremely close results, reinforcing our confidence in the reliability of our estimations. The excess of leukemia incidence observed at Chinon and Civaux and the deficit observed at Bruyere/Saclay/Fontenay loose their statistical significance when the correction of Bonferroni is applied. So, the global analysis of the 29 sites and the analysis by site have not shown statistically significant difference between the numbers of observed and expected cases. The study of the 19 C.N.P.E. gave same results, even in taken into account their electric power or their year of service. The possibility of confounding factors has been excluded. The power of the study to detect excess incidence and a decrease of S.I.R. with distance from the site was examined under different alternative hypotheses through simulation methods. For values of S.I.R. near the site (0-5 km) between 1.5 and 2 and a risk of error of 5%, the power of the study is between 96% and 100% depending

Report on the behalf of the Economy, Sustainable Development and Land Planning Commission on the bill project related to the follow-up of environmental consequences of French nuclear tests in French Polynesia - Nr 244

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Courteau, Roland

2012-01-01

In a first part of this report, the author recalls the history of the creation of the Pacific experiment centre and the test campaign which took place without a real consultation of local populations. He comments the end of nuclear tests while giving an overview of site dismantling and of radioactive materials which have been left there. Then, he addresses the environmental consequences of the nuclear tests in French Polynesia: follow-up system, follow-up of radiological consequences, risks related to subsoil steadiness, necessity of better information of local populations and acknowledgement of test effects. He presents the bill project concerning the return of both atolls within the authority of French Polynesia. The discussion of the bill project articles is reported

The French coal board and French society

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ladoucette, Ph. de

2004-01-01

On 19 April 1946 the French national assembly passed a law for nationalizing the mineral fuel industry by a vote of 516 against only 31. 'Charbonnages de France' (CDF), the French coal board, was created and prospects were promising. During the reconstruction period (1945 - 1960), coal industry was a pillar of the French economy, the production of coal had been steadily growing to reach its top in 1958 with 59 Mt. The sixties showed the beginning of the decline of coal to the benefit of oil, natural gas and later nuclear energy. As early as 1967 CDF had a policy of promoting new industries in regions of mines in order to break down the mono-industry scheme and to favor staff conversion massively. In 1947 the number of people on the payroll of CDF was 360.000, this number was decreasing steadily to reach 23.000 in 1990. In 2004 the last deep mine to work in France was closed down. This article tells the story of coal mining in France by describing its ups and downs and by assessing its social impact

Application of Equipment Monitoring Technology in Nuclear Power Plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang, H. T.; Lee, J. K.; Lee, K. D.; Jo, S. H.

2012-01-01

The major goal of nuclear power industries during the past 10 years is to increase reliability and utility capacity factor. As the capacitor factor, however, crept upward. it became harder to attain next percentage of improvement. Therefore other innovative technologies are required. By the technologies applied to the fossil power plants, equipment health monitoring was performed on equipment to maintain it in operable condition and contributed on improving their reliability a lot. But the equipment monitoring may be limited to the observation of current system states in nuclear power plant. Monitoring of current system states is being augmented with prediction of future operating states and predictive diagnosis of future failure states. Such predictive diagnosis is motivated by the need for nuclear power plants to optimize equipment performance and reduce costs and unscheduled downtime. This paper reviews the application of techniques that focus on improving reliability in nuclear power plant by monitoring and predicting equipment health and suggests how possible to support on-line monitoring

IRSN 2014 opinion survey - The perception of risks and security by the French population. Global results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El Jammal, Marie-Helene; Mur, Emmanuelle; Rollinger, Francois; Schuler, Matthieu; Tchernia, Jean-Francois

2014-06-01

A first and synthetic part of this report comments the most remarkable results of the opinion survey. It first addresses results related to a context of economic crisis (importance of the economic crisis and unemployment as major concerns for French people, environmental concerns) and then analyzes the different aspects of the nuclear risk, from the accident to nuclear safety: strong fears of a nuclear accident, Fukushima and Chernobyl are immediately present in people's mind, concerns about nuclear are also related to the environment and health, the actual benefit of nuclear is an economic one, nuclear safety is a major challenge on which French people doubt, French people wish a citizen look on nuclear safety, the opinion of French people on nuclear worsened in 2013. Then, this report, illustrated by several graphs, presents and discusses the results of an annual opinion survey on the present concerns of French people (in the present society, for the environment, and as far as science is concerned), the opinion of French people on expertise (about who must control a risky installation, about the role and image of scientific experts, about the diffusion and sharing of scientific expertise, and about the perception of pluralistic structures), on the attitude of French people in front of 33 risk situations (risks to which French people feel exposed to, confidence of French people in authorities to protect them, the truth of information on hazards, the hierarchy of 33 situations according to 3 aspects and their relationship with installation acceptability). The fourth part addresses more particularly the nuclear sector: expectations in terms of nuclear risk management, fear of a serious accident, benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy, skill and credibility of interveners. Graphs notably present the evolution of opinions with respect to last year or over the past years

The funding of dangerous nuclear projects. Nuclear trade and safety: the role of French private banks. What are we talking about?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Philippe, Isabelle

2011-01-01

Countries which export nuclear technologies, notably France, have developed mechanisms of financial support to incite private banks to finance the sale of reactors to foreign countries, notably EPRs in the case of France. After having briefly introduced this issue, and dealing with the French case, this publication indicates the concerned banks, and outlines that some of them finance nuclear projects which have been assessed by NGOs as dangerous in terms of nuclear safety. It notably presents the Angra 3 project in Brazil: its cost, its planning, its main safety problems (obsolete technology, building authorization awarded without any actual safety analysis, situation of conflict of interest for the Brazilian regulator). It also presents the Jaitapur project in India in which Areva is as well involved: costs, funding, planning, main risks (seismic risk area, safety level much lower than the one required in France, controversy on the impact study). The document finally explains why banks must not fund nuclear projects

The nuclear power stations of the French atomic energy programme (1960)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leduc, C.

1960-01-01

After recalling the entry of nuclear energy into energy production in France, the paper emphasizes the evolution of techniques applied in the designing of French nuclear power plants and describes the means employed for reducing costs per kWh of EDF2 and EDF3 compared with EDF1: the electric power per ton of uranium varies from 493 kW/t for EDF1 to 970 kW/t for EDF3. For this purpose the thermal power and electric power of units are changed respectively from 290 MWt for EDF1 to 1200 or 1600 MWt for EDF3 and from 28 to 250 MW. The results are obtained by an improvement in neutronic characteristics, developments in nuclear fuel technology, and simplification of the system of charging the reactor, whose means of maintenance are increased; the EDF2 heat-exchangers have been so designed as to increase the unit power of the elements, which will attain 9 MWt, as against 3 for EDF1. For EDF3 an advance project forecasts a thermodynamic layout with only one pressure stage. The paper ends with a description of the burst-slug detection systems, and an appendix gives a detailed comparative table of EDF1, EDF2 and EDF3 plant characteristics. (author) [fr

Information of French people about nuclear. Detailed results. Ifop for the National Association of local information committees and commissions (ANCCLI)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2014-05-01

After a brief presentation of the survey method (sample, survey mode, dates, error margins and confidence interval), this report presents and briefly comments the main results of a survey on perception French people have on nuclear industry and activities. More precisely, questions asked to the people addressed the following issues: the perception of nuclear as a taboo issue, words associated with nuclear, and the perception of the safety distance to be observed in case of a nuclear accident. For these three questions, tables of data are given which contain answers and social and demographic characteristics

Resolution proposal for the creation of an inquiry commission about the safety and transparency risks generated by the opening of the capital and the privatization of the French nuclear industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-12-01

The privatization of the French nuclear industry leads to three types of risks: the dilution of decision prerogatives (need of long-term investment for maintenance and safety purposes which are incompatible with immediate profits), incompatibility between private control and safety, and speculation (need of stable and durable financing for a sustainable safety). For these reasons, the French house of commons has created an inquiry commission about the safety and transparency risks linked with the capital opening and privatization of the French nuclear industry. (J.S.)

The atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa (French Polynesia). The nuclear testings. Radiological aspects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, G.

2007-01-01

This report provides a review of the radiological measures implemented during the thirty year period of French nuclear tests in Polynesian atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa. It presents full details of the practices deployed throughout these tests, including, in particular, aspects concerning radiological protection for the population and the environment. It contains all the scientific results and measurements of radioactivity performed during this period, providing concrete facts that can be used to assess the consequences these tests have had on the personnel involved, the population and the environment. (author)

Technology of remote monitoring for nuclear activity monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kwack, Ehn Ho; Kim, Jong Soo; Yoon, Wan Ki; Park, Sung Sik; Na, Won Woo; An, Jin Soo; Cha, Hong Ryul; Kim, Jung Soo

2000-05-01

In a view of safeguards monitoring at nuclear facilities, the monitoring is changing to remote method so that this report is described to remote monitoring(RM) applying on commercial NPP in Korea. To enhance IAEA safeguards efficiency and effectiveness, IAEA is taking into account of remote monitoring system(RMS) and testing as a field trial. IRMP(International Remote Monitoring Project) in participating many nations for development of RMS is proceeding their project such as technical exchange and research etc. In case of our country are carrying out the research relevant RM since acceptance RMS at 7th ROK-IAEA safeguards implementation review meeting. With a view to enhancement the RMS, installation location and element technology of the RM equipment are evaluated in a view of safeguards in Korea LWRs, and proposed a procedure for national inspection application through remote data evaluation from Younggwang-3 NPP. These results are large valuable to use of national inspection at time point extending installation to all Korea PWR NPP. In case of CANDU, neutron, gamma measurement and basic concept of network using optical fiber scintillating detector as remote verification method for dry storage canister are described. Also RM basic design of spent fuel transfer campaign is described that unattended RM without inspector instead of performing in participating together with IAEA and national inspector. The transfer campaign means the spent fuel storage pond to dry storage canister for about two months every year. Therefore, positively participation of IAEA strength safeguards project will be increased transparency for our nuclear activity as well as contributed to national relevant industry

Technology of remote monitoring for nuclear activity monitoring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kwack, Ehn Ho; Kim, Jong Soo; Yoon, Wan Ki; Park, Sung Sik; Na, Won Woo; An, Jin Soo; Cha, Hong Ryul; Kim, Jung Soo

2000-05-01

In a view of safeguards monitoring at nuclear facilities, the monitoring is changing to remote method so that this report is described to remote monitoring(RM) applying on commercial NPP in Korea. To enhance IAEA safeguards efficiency and effectiveness, IAEA is taking into account of remote monitoring system(RMS) and testing as a field trial. IRMP(International Remote Monitoring Project) in participating many nations for development of RMS is proceeding their project such as technical exchange and research etc. In case of our country are carrying out the research relevant RM since acceptance RMS at 7th ROK-IAEA safeguards implementation review meeting. With a view to enhancement the RMS, installation location and element technology of the RM equipment are evaluated in a view of safeguards in Korea LWRs, and proposed a procedure for national inspection application through remote data evaluation from Younggwang-3 NPP. These results are large valuable to use of national inspection at time point extending installation to all Korea PWR NPP. In case of CANDU, neutron, gamma measurement and basic concept of network using optical fiber scintillating detector as remote verification method for dry storage canister are described. Also RM basic design of spent fuel transfer campaign is described that unattended RM without inspector instead of performing in participating together with IAEA and national inspector. The transfer campaign means the spent fuel storage pond to dry storage canister for about two months every year. Therefore, positively participation of IAEA strength safeguards project will be increased transparency for our nuclear activity as well as contributed to national relevant industry.

French plutonium management program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Greneche, D.

2002-01-01

The French plutonium management program is summarized in this paper. The program considers nuclear generation as a major component of national electric power supply and includes the reprocessing of the spent fuel. (author)

France under a microscope - Nuclear power in France

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2008-01-01

The first French nuclear power plant was built in 1956, but it was only after the 1970's oil shock that nuclear power gained an important place in the French energy sector. Planning Act 2005-781 of 13 July 2005 laying down French energy policy orientations confirmed that nuclear energy was to remain the primary source of electricity supply in France. The Act also encourages diversification of sources of electricity production through renewable energies (wind power, biomass) and the security of electricity supply from oil, gas and coal. Nuclear energy accounted for 78.4% of electricity production in France in 2006. French nuclear capacity includes 58 pressurized water reactors (PWRs) that produced 450 billion nuclear kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2006, i.e. 78.4% of total electricity production which is of 574 billion kWh. The lifetime of a third of currently operating nuclear plants will end in around 2020 and, with a view to the renewal of its nuclear capacity, France is about to deploy new-generation reactors that meet requirements in terms of production, environmental protection and enhanced nuclear safety. In April 2007, France started building a third-generation EPR reactor at Flamanville in the Manche Department. The EPR is to be operational by 2012. France is also devoting research programmes to fourth generation reactor technology with a view to those reactors being operational by 2040. There are a number of reasons for choosing nuclear power: it enables France to ensure its national energy independence (France imports less than 50% of its energy resources) and environmental protection (France is one of the European countries which emits the least greenhouse gases) at a stable and competitive price. Decree 2008-378 of 21 April 2008 instituted a council on nuclear policy presided by the President of the Republic. The council will define the broad lines of nuclear policy and monitor their implementation, particularly with regard to exports and international

French PWR Safety Philosophy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Conte, M. M.

1986-01-01

The first 900 MWe units, built under the American Westinghouse licence and with reference to the U. S. regulation, were followed by 28 standardized units, C P1 and C P2 series. Increasing knowledge and lessons learned from starting and operating experience of French nuclear power plants, completed by the experience learned from the operation of foreign reactors, has contributed to the improvement of French PWR design and safety philosophy. As early as 1976, this experience was taken into account by French Safety organisms to discuss, with Electricite de France, the safety options for the planned 1300 MWe units, P4 and P4 series. In 1983, the new reactor scheduled, Ni4 series 1400 MWe, is a totally French design which satisfies the French regulations and other French standards and codes. Based on a deterministic approach, the French safety analysis was progressively completed by a probabilistic approach each of them having possibilities and limits. Increasing knowledge and lessons learned from operating experience have contributed to the French safety philosophy improvement. The methodology now applied to safety evaluation develops a new facet of the in depth defense concept by taking highly unlikely events into consideration, by developing the search of safety consistency of the design, and by completing the deterministic approach by the probabilistic one

France - About the possibility to stop the 19 French reactors which are over 30 years of service. Overview of conditions for phasing out nuclear under condition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lenoir, Yves

2011-03-01

After having set a 30 year limit for a nuclear reactor life, the author analyses the associated consequences in terms of loss of production (while taking the load factor of the concerned reactors into account). He indicates the French production of different resources (nuclear, conventional thermal, hydraulic, renewable) and the French energy consumption, assesses the avoided production due to the shutting down of the 19 reactors, outlines that the present reactor fleet is under-exploited, and addresses the peak issue

Heat and nuclear radiation as risk factors for male infertility: results of a French case-control study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thonneau, P.F.; Rachou, E.; Ducot, B.; Multigner, L.; Velez de la Calle, J.P.; Le Martelot, M.T.

1998-01-01

Very few studies have investigated the possible effects of environmental radiation and heat exposure on male reproductive function. We conducted a case control study to evaluate the various infertility risk factors in the military population of the french town of Brest to investigate an apparently high incidence of infertility in couples in which the man may have been exposed to occupational nuclear radiation. These findings suggest that in addition to well known medical factors, 'potential' exposure to heat or nuclear radiation could also be risk factors for infertility. (N.C.)

Review of the French environmental nuclear toxicology programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leguay, J.J.; Menager, M.T.; Ansoborlo, E.

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: The fate of radionuclides in the geosphere and in particular their transfer in the biosphere constitutes an essential key point in relation with environmental issues as well as their effects on living organisms. In order to answer to such issues, an Environmental Nuclear Toxicology Programme (a French national programme) has been launched in 2001 for a period of 5 years. It is a resolutely forward-looking programme gathering all the main research institutes (CEA, CNRS, Inserm and Inra) and comprising 15 projects that pool the expertise of physicians, biologists, chemists, physicists... The programme's central thrust is the study of the biological effects of nuclear toxics, i.e., most part of the compounds encountered in the nuclear industry ( 3 H, Co, Cd, Se, Sr, Tc, I, Cs, Pb U, Pu) that may have a chemical and (or) radiological toxicity towards living organisms. Its objectives are to study the toxicology of the materials used, in particular in nuclear fuels, to analyse the biological effects of radionuclides (naturally-occurring or artificial) that may be present in the environment, and to examine the effects of chemically toxic metals, particularly the heavy metals, used in nuclear and medical research and industrial activities. For the radionuclides, the aim is to determine the potential health consequences of exposure to these materials and to make realistic estimates of exposure to the corresponding risks incurred. The main research topics concern three types of mechanisms in bacteria, plants and animals: - Mechanisms by which elements are transferred and transported from cell to cell; - Mechanisms by which toxics accumulate in cell compartment and organs; - Specific detoxification mechanisms. In all cases, special emphasis is placed on work that makes possible to compare the toxicity of different elements relative to a better known toxic chemical, such as cadmium or cobalt, and also, for as many elements as possible, work to

Harmonization of French and German calculation procedures for atmospheric dispersion following accidental releases from nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Crabol, B.; Romeo, E.; Nester, K.

1992-01-01

In case of an accident in a nuclear power plant near the French-German border different schemes for dispersion calculations in both countries will currently be applied. An intercomparison of these schemes initiated from the German-French Commission for the safety of nuclear installations (DFK) revealed in some meteorological situations large differences in the resulting concentrations for radionuclides. An ad hoc working group was installed by the DFK with the mandate to analyse the reasons for the different model results and also to consider new theoretical concepts. The working group has agreed to apply a Gaussian puff model for emergency response calculations. The results of the model based on turbulence parameterization via similarity approach or spectral theory - have been compared with tracer experiments for different emission heights and atmospheric stability regimes. As a reference the old modelling approaches have been included in the study. The simulations with the similarity approach and the spectral theory show a slightly better agreement to the measured concentration data than the schemes used in the past. Instead of diffusion categories both new approaches allow a continuous characterization of the atmospheric dispersion conditions. Because the spectral approach incorporates the sampling time of the meteorological data as an adjustable parameter thereby offering the possibility to adjust the dispersion model to different emission scenarios this turbulence parameterization scheme will be foreseen as the basis for a joint French-German puff model

Environmental monitoring of nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Winter, M.

1983-01-01

The objectives of one environmental monitoring program for nuclear facilities, are presented. The program in Federal Republic of Germany, its goals, its basic conditions, its regulations, and its dose limits are emphasized. (E.G.) [pt

Monitoring of nuclear accidents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schroeder, J.; Camps, J.

2010-07-01

No matter how extensive the safety measures might be in and around nuclear sites, an incident can never be entirely ruled out. SCK-CEN is a specialist in radiological evaluations, in order to determine the impact of ionising radiation or a discharge of radionuclides on man and the environment. In August 2008, a team of SCK-CEN researchers participated in the radiological monitoring of the environment after an incident at the National Institute of Radio Elements (IRE) in Fleurus. SCK-CEN also conducted thyroid gland measurements in the population. The incident provided useful lessons on dealing with nuclear emergency situations.

Inquiry close to veterans consequences on health of French nuclear tests. Primary results introduced to the International Conference on French nuclear tests at Hiroshima on the 5. august 2002

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valatx, J.L.

2005-01-01

The association of veterans of nuclear tests(A.V.E.N.) has been created on the 9. june 2001. It concerns the military personnel, the Cea personnel and the contractors personnel that took part in nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara and French Polynesia. A.V.E.N. has for objective information on the consequences of nuclear tests, the entitlement to have access to their medical file and the right to compensation for loss sustained by the victims. The inquiry bearing on 271 veterans brings to light that 93.4% of them have one or several diseases, 28.4% of them have or had one or several cancers. 77% of cancers happened before sixty years old and 36% before fifty years old. 45.4% died before sixty years old. The non cancerous digestive, osteo-muscular and cardiovascular pathologies are the most frequent. The children and grand children present inborn malformations (9.4% and 4.8%) and various diseases (24.3% and 5.5%). Despite that the critics that can be formulated, the results, compared to the British ones incite to go on. This preliminary inquiry must be completed by a greater number of answers. These results are an important argument to ask for an epidemiology inquiry on the whole of military and civil personnel that have participated to the nuclear tests in order to establish in a definite way the effects on health of nuclear tests and to draw consequences of it. (N.C.)

Characterizing noise in the global nuclear weapon monitoring system

Science.gov (United States)

Schultz, Colin

2013-03-01

Under the auspices of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, a worldwide monitoring system designed to detect the illegal testing of nuclear weaponry has been under construction since 1999. The International Monitoring System is composed of a range of sensors, including detectors for hydroacoustic and seismic signals, and when completed, will include 60 infrasound measurement arrays set to detect low-frequency sound waves produced by an atmospheric nuclear detonation.

French power politics for France and for Europe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-11-01

Economic, politic and organizational factors that govern the developments on the french electric power market are investigated. Three scenarios are then outlined for the french market and the electricity export from France, in the light of EC policies. Two questions are of special importance for the french power market: Will EDFs monopoly be broken, and will the nuclear program be continued? (56 refs., 5 figs., 6 tabs.)

Proceedings of the 2011 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Patterson, Eileen F.; Sandoval, Marisa N.

2011-01-01

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2011: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 13-15 September, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States' capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Proceedings of the 2011 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wetovsky, Marvin A. [Editor; Patterson, Eileen F. [Editor; Sandoval, Marisa N. [Editor

2011-09-13

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2011: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 13-15 September, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States' capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Proceedings of the 30th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wetovsky, Marv A [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Aguilar-chang, Julio [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Arrowsmith, Marie [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Arrowsmith, Stephen [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Baker, Diane [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Begnaud, Michael [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Harste, Hans [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Maceira, Monica [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Patton, Howard [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Phillips, Scott [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Randall, George [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Revelle, Douglas [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Rowe, Charlotte [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Stead, Richard [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Steck, Lee [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Whitaker, Rod [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Yang, Xiaoning [Los Alamos National Laboratory

2008-09-23

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 30th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 23-25 September, 2008 in Portsmouth, Virginia. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States’ capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Proceedings of the 2010 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wetovsky, Marvin A [Editor; Patterson, Eileen F [Editor

2010-09-21

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2010: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 21-23 September, 2010 in Orlando, Florida,. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, National Science Foundation (NSF), Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Proceedings of the 2010 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Patterson, Eileen F.

2010-01-01

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2010: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 21-23 September, 2010 in Orlando, Florida,. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, National Science Foundation (NSF), Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Voices of nuclear power 'monitors' in fiscal 1985: results of the questionnaire

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1986-01-01

The system of nuclear power 'monitors' is to hear opinions etc. of the general people (i.e. of nuclear power monitors) on the nuclear power development and utilization and thereby to reflect the results in the nuclear power administration in Japan. The questionnairing survey by mail was made in June 1985 with 536 monitors across the country, of which 474 answered the questions. The results are described in the following: energies in the future, the development of nuclear power, the development of advanced-type reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear power safety administration, nuclear hazard prevention, nuclear power PR activities. (Mori, K.)

Nuclear radiation sensors and monitoring following a nuclear or radiological emergencies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhatnagar, P.K.

2009-01-01

Management of Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies arising from Radiological Dispersive Device (RDD), Improvised Nuclear Devices (IND), Nuclear Reactors/Power plants and Nuclear War require measurement of ionizing radiations and radioactivity on an enhanced scale relative to the levels encountered in peaceful uses of ionizing radiations and radioactivity. It is heartening that since Hiroshima, Nagasaki nuclear disaster, the world has been quiet but since early 2000 there has been a fear of certain devices to be used by terrorists, which could lead to panic, and disaster due to dispersal of radioactivity by RDD, IND. Nuclear attack would lead to blast, thermal, initial nuclear radiation, nuclear fall out leading to gamma and neutron dose, dose rates in range from few R, R/h to kR, kR/h, and determinations of k Bq or higher order. Such situations have been visualized at national levels and National Disaster Management Authority NDMA has been established and Disaster Management Act 2005 has come into existence. NDMA has prepared guidelines for Nuclear and radiological emergency management highlighting preparedness, mitigation, response, capacity building, etc. Critical point in all these issues is detection of emergency, quick intimation to the concerned for action in shortest possible time. Upper most requirement by those involved in pursuing action, is radiation sensor based radiation monitors for personnel, area, and to assess contamination due to radioactivity.This presentation briefly describes the Indian scenario in the development of the radiation sensors and the sensor-based radiation monitors. (author)

Nuclear radiation sensors and monitoring following a nuclear or radiological emergencies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bhatnagar, P K [Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur (India)

2009-01-15

Management of Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies arising from Radiological Dispersive Device (RDD), Improvised Nuclear Devices (IND), Nuclear Reactors/Power plants and Nuclear War require measurement of ionizing radiations and radioactivity on an enhanced scale relative to the levels encountered in peaceful uses of ionizing radiations and radioactivity. It is heartening that since Hiroshima, Nagasaki nuclear disaster, the world has been quiet but since early 2000 there has been a fear of certain devices to be used by terrorists, which could lead to panic, and disaster due to dispersal of radioactivity by RDD, IND. Nuclear attack would lead to blast, thermal, initial nuclear radiation, nuclear fall out leading to gamma and neutron dose, dose rates in range from few R, R/h to kR, kR/h, and determinations of k Bq or higher order. Such situations have been visualized at national levels and National Disaster Management Authority NDMA has been established and Disaster Management Act 2005 has come into existence. NDMA has prepared guidelines for Nuclear and radiological emergency management highlighting preparedness, mitigation, response, capacity building, etc. Critical point in all these issues is detection of emergency, quick intimation to the concerned for action in shortest possible time. Upper most requirement by those involved in pursuing action, is radiation sensor based radiation monitors for personnel, area, and to assess contamination due to radioactivity.This presentation briefly describes the Indian scenario in the development of the radiation sensors and the sensor-based radiation monitors. (author)

IRSN's expertise about nuclear medicine hospital effluents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2009-01-01

This brief note aims at presenting the radioactivity follow up of hospital effluents performed by the French Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). This follow up concerns the radioactive compounds and radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine, and principally technetium 99 and iodine 131. The IRSN has developed a network of remote measurement systems for the monitoring of sewers and waste water cleaning facilities. Data are compiled in a data base for analysis and subsequent expertise. (J.S.)

French days on stable isotopes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2000-01-01

These first French days on stable isotopes took place in parallel with the 1. French days of environmental chemistry. Both conferences had common plenary sessions. The conference covers all aspects of the use of stable isotopes in the following domains: medicine, biology, environment, tracer techniques, agronomy, food industry, geology, petroleum geochemistry, cosmo-geochemistry, archaeology, bio-geochemistry, hydrology, climatology, nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics, isotope separations etc.. Abstracts available on CD-Rom only. (J.S.)

Nuclear energy in the future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chaussade, J.P.

1994-01-01

Nuclear energy plays a major role in the French economy because of the lack of fossil fuels on the French territory. About 75% of the French electric power is of nuclear origin. This paper gives an analysis of the French public attitude about nuclear energy and the methods used by the nuclear industrialists to better the electro-nuclear image. Communication, advertising and transparency are the best attitudes for a suitable public information and are necessary to reduce the public anxiety after the Chernobyl accident. Television advertising, magazines and organized visits of nuclear installations have allowed to explain the interest of nuclear energy in the environmental reduction of pollutants. However, public information must include the topic about nuclear wastes to remain credible. (J.S.)

Wide-area monitoring to detect undeclared nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wogman, N.

1994-09-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is committed to strengthening and streamlining the overall effectiveness of the IAEA safeguards system. The IAEA is investigating the use of environmental monitoring techniques to strengthen its capability to detect undeclared nuclear activities. The IAEA's Program 93+2 Initiative has been established to develop, test, and assess strengthening techniques and measures. Some of the techniques have been validated and are being implemented during routine safeguards inspections. The effectiveness of other techniques is being studied as a part of extensive field trials conducted at nuclear facilities of various Member States during 1993 and 1994. Proposals based on the results of these investigations and recommendations for new safeguards activities are expected to be presented to the March 1995 Board of Governors Meeting. The techniques in use or under study during IAEA field trials address various types of environmental monitoring applications as outlined under Program 93+2's Task 3, Environmental Monitoring Techniques for Safeguards Applications, namely, the use of short-range monitoring during inspections and visits to investigate sites of possible undeclared activities. With the exception of wide-area water sampling in Iraq, the use of long-range monitoring, in the absence of any indication of undeclared nuclear activities, remains largely unexamined by the IAEA. The efficacy of long-range monitoring depends on the availability of mobile signature isotopes or compounds and on the ability to distinguish the nuclear signatures from background signals and attributing them to a source. The scope of this paper is to provide technical information to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on possible wide-area survey techniques for the detection of undeclared nuclear activities. The primary focus is the detection of effluents from reprocessing activities

Determination of discharge authorizations for French basic nuclear installations 58 and public information

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tabard, Laurence; Conte, Dorothee

2013-01-01

The determination of discharge authorized limits for a French nuclear site is initiated by the request of the operator, based on the maximum nuclear and chemical inventory that could be released during normal operating conditions, accompanied with justifications. Request and justifications are analyzed and discussed by the ASN and the IRSN, taking into account nuclear and chemical inventories expected inside BNI, current regulations (BNI specific regulation, environment code, public health code), operating feedback (release feedback for an operating BNI, feedback coming from other nuclear sites or installations, etc.) and best available technologies that can be used to treat liquid or gaseous waste before release. After taking into account potential suggestions coming from public information or public enquiry concerning the operator request, the discharge authorized limits are settled down in specific ASN prescriptions that have to be ratified by the State secretaries in charge of nuclear safety. The whole process runs through 2 or 3 years to be achieved. Communication has revealed to be quite an uneasy task, even for administrative procedures. This aspect is mostly tested while communicating about events. Consequences of this communication can hardly be foreseen because of multiple external parameters like: news on the front pages at the same moment; historic communication difficulties still in the public mind; technical vocabulary not easily understood; public fear of things being hidden; power of ecologist or non-governmental associations. (authors)

Xenon monitoring and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bowyer, Theodore W. [Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Program, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352 (United States)

2014-05-09

How do you monitor (verify) a CTBT? It is a difficult challenge to monitor the entire world for nuclear tests, regardless of size. Nuclear tests 'normally' occur underground, above ground or underwater. Setting aside very small tests (let's limit our thinking to 1 kiloton or more), nuclear tests shake the ground, emit large amounts of radioactivity, and make loud noises if in the atmosphere (or hydroacoustic waves if underwater)

The monitoring and verification of nuclear weapons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garwin, Richard L.

2014-01-01

This paper partially reviews and updates the potential for monitoring and verification of nuclear weapons, including verification of their destruction. Cooperative monitoring with templates of the gamma-ray spectrum are an important tool, dependent on the use of information barriers

Centralized operation and monitoring system for nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kudo, Mitsuru; Sato, Hideyuki; Murata, Fumio

1988-01-01

According to the prospect of long term energy demand, in 2000, the nuclear power generation facilities in Japan are expected to take 15.9% of the total energy demand. From this fact, it is an important subject to supply nuclear power more stably, and in the field of instrumentation and control, many researches and developments and the incessant effort of improvement have been continued. In the central operation and monitoring system which is the center of the stable operation of nuclear power plants, the man-machine technology aiding operators by electronic and computer application technologies has been positively developed and applied. It is considered that hereafter, for the purpose of rationally heightening the operation reliability of the plants, the high quality man-machine system freely using the most advanced technologies such as high reliability digital technology, optical information transmission, knowledge engineering and so on is developed and applied. The technical trend of operation and monitoring system, the concept of heightening operation and monitoring capability, the upgrading of operation and monitoring system, and the latest operation, monitoring and control systems for nuclear power plants and waste treatment facilities are described. (K.I.)

Reports by the Parliamentary Office for scientific and technological assessments. Thursday, May 19, 2011. The French nuclear installations in front of natural risks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-05-01

Members of the French Parliament, representatives of the French nuclear safety authority (ASN), of the Academy of Sciences, researchers, and associations argue on major natural risks and their evaluation, notably by referring to the earthquake and tsunami which caused the Fukushima accident. They discuss the predictability of these phenomena, and evoke the context and consequences of climate change. A representative of the Academy of Technologies discusses the risks of land-slips and dam failure, outlines that earthquakes only caused some cracks in dams, and evokes the legal context and organisation regarding dam safety. Possible effects of earthquakes in France are discussed. A second part addresses the way natural risks are taken into account in the protection of nuclear installations

Radiation monitoring of nuclear census intelligent data management and mobile monitoring data acquisition system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang Libin; Zhong Zhijing; Zhou Yinhang; Guo Hongbo

2014-01-01

The system, employing advanced intelligent terminal, mobile applications, database technology, can achieve all kinds of field monitoring, mobile radiation monitoring data collected for laboratory analysis; employing GPS technology, can achieve the geographic information of the radiation monitoring data, time tagging and other anti-cheating measures; the system also established a mass database management system; the system is suitable for all types of nuclear-related units with special adaptive functions; system will be extended to GIS-based management capabilities of nuclear contamination distribution in latter stage. (authors)

French diagnostic reference levels in diagnostic radiology, computed tomography and nuclear medicine: 2004-2008 Review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roch, P.; Aubert, B.

2013-01-01

After 5 y of collecting data on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection French Inst. (IRSN) presents the analyses of this data. The analyses of the collected data for radiology, computed tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine allow IRSN to estimate the level of regulatory application by health professionals and the representativeness of current DRL in terms of relevant examinations, dosimetric quantities, numerical values and patient morphologies. Since 2004, the involvement of professionals has highly increased, especially in nuclear medicine, followed by CT and then by radiology. Analyses show some discordance between regulatory examinations and clinical practice. Some of the dosimetric quantities used for the DRL setting are insufficient or not relevant enough, and some numerical values should also be reviewed. On the basis of these findings, IRSN formulates recommendations to update regulatory DRL with current and relevant examination lists, dosimetric quantities and numerical values. (authors)

New technologies for monitoring nuclear materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moran, B.W.

1993-01-01

This paper describes new technologies for monitoring the continued presence of nuclear materials that are being evaluated in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to reduce the effort, cost, and employee exposures associated with conducting nuclear material inventories. These technologies also show promise for the international safeguarding of process systems and nuclear materials in storage, including spent fuels. The identified systems are based on innovative technologies that were not developed for safeguards applications. These advanced technologies include passive and active sensor systems based on optical materials, inexpensive solid-state radiation detectors, dimensional surface characterization, and digital color imagery. The passive sensor systems use specialized scintillator materials coupled to optical-fiber technologies that not only are capable of measuring radioactive emissions but also are capable of measuring or monitoring pressure, weight, temperature, and source location. Small, durable solid-state gamma-ray detection devices, whose components are estimated to cost less than $25 per unit, can be implemented in a variety of configurations and can be adapted to enhance existing monitoring systems. Variations in detector design have produced significantly different system capabilities. Dimensional surface characterization and digital color imaging are applications of developed technologies that are capable of motion detection, item surveillance, and unique identification of items

Deterrence at Three: US, UK and French Nuclear Cooperation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lewis, Jeffrey; Tertrais, Bruno

2016-01-01

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea and aggression against Ukraine, members of NATO are again pondering the strength of Western deterrence. Over the course of the Ukraine crisis, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasised the potency of Russian nuclear weapons, announced new nuclear-weapons programmes and brushed off accusations that Russia is cheating on a number of arms-control agreements. Most ominously, Putin has declared that he would have been prepared to place Russian nuclear forces on alert - which implies threatening their use - had the annexation of Crimea met with serious resistance. The three NATO nuclear-weapons states - the United States, United Kingdom and France - must again contemplate how best to ensure that their very different nuclear forces strengthen NATO's nuclear deterrence against Russian aggression. There is a tendency among Western defence analysts to assume that, in the event of a major crisis, the three NATO nuclear-weapons states would be able to effectively coordinate their deterrence policies and communications. The stakes are so high, so the thinking goes, that the three parties would find a way to successfully manage the crisis together. Yet, recent experience in terms of trilateral crisis management and strategic communications is not encouraging. In 2013, the United States, the United Kingdom and France attempted to deter Syria from using chemical weapons. This ended up being one of the biggest deterrence fiascos in recent memory - a textbook example of how not to prevent adversaries from embarking on large-scale aggression. The president of the United States announced a 'red line' regarding Syrian use of chemical weapons. Although the red line was apparently drawn extemporaneously, at a press conference on 20 August 2012, London and Paris presumed that Washington was committed to the red line and followed suit with their own statements. Over the course of several months, Syria appears to have

Liabilities identification and long-term management - Review of French situation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

In France, long term liabilities due to nuclear activities concern four main operators: Electricite de France (EDF), AREVA (an industrial group created on September 3, 2001 and covering the entire fuel cycle from ore extraction and transformation to the recycling of spent fuel), the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA, the French public research organism in the nuclear sector) and the French Agency for radioactive waste management (ANDRA, in charge with the long term operation of radioactive waste installations). Long term liabilities are due to the financing of both decommissioning of nuclear installations and radioactive waste long term management. In the current French organisational scheme, the different operators must take the responsibility of these long term liabilities. The setting of national policies and the establishment of the legislation are carried out at a national level by the French state. These include the supervision of the three operators through different Ministries and the regulatory control of safety trough the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN). EDF, AREVA, CEA and ANDRA are responsible for all aspects of the decommissioning (from a technical and financial point of view). Within a safety regulatory frame, they have their own initiative concerning future expenses, based on estimated costs and the expected operational lifetime of the installations. They are responsible of the definition and implementation of the technical options. Through its supervision activities, the French State regularly requires updating studies of these estimated costs, which are conducted by the operators. A general review of the management of these long-term liabilities is also carried out on a four years basis by the French Court of Accounts. Operators are due to constitute provisions during the life cycle of their installations. Provisions are calculated for each installation on the basis of the decommissioning expenses and of the reasonably estimated lifetime. They are re

PSAD, a prototype for monitoring and aid to diagnosis of French PWRs; PSAD, un systeme prototype pour la surveillance et l`aide au diagnostic des centrales REP Francaises

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jousselin, A.; Bourgeois, P. [Electricite de France (EDF), 78 - Chatou (France); Busquet, J.L.; Monnier, B. [Electricite de France (EDF), 75 - Paris (France); Mouhamed, B. [SEMA Group France, 37 - Meylan (France)

1996-03-01

In order to improve safety and availability in its nuclear power plants, EDF has designed a new generation of monitoring systems integrated into a workstation for monitoring and aid to diagnosis (PSAD). These systems perform on-line monitoring of the main power plant components and PSAD stations provide homogenous aids ro diagnosis which enable plant personnel to diagnose the mechanical behavior of plant equipments. The objective of PSAD is to provide them with high-efficiency and user-friendly tools which can considerably free them from routine tasks. PSAD has a flexible architecture, guaranteeing optimum distribution of computing power to make it available where it is needed, thus enhancing the quality of the information. Its architecture includes diagnosis support software based on artificial intelligence technology which can dialogue with real-time or deferred-time processing software and a relational database. The first version of the prototype is working on a french plant at Tricastin. This version includes the software for the host structure and two monitoring functions: the reactor coolant pumps and the turbo-generator monitoring functions. Internal Structures Monitoring function (ISM) and Loose Parts Detection function (LPD) are under development and should be integrated into PSAD prototype in 1996. (author). 5 refs., 6 figs.

Monitoring strategy for eight amphibian species in French Guiana, South America.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elodie A Courtois

Full Text Available Although dramatic amphibian declines have been documented worldwide, only few of such events have been quantitatively documented for the tropical forests of South America. This is due partly to the fact that tropical amphibians are patchily distributed and difficult to detect. We tested three methods often used to monitor population trends in amphibian species in a remote lowland tropical forest of French Guiana. These methods are capture-mark-recapture (CMR, estimation of the number of calling males with repeated counts data and distance sampling, and rates of occupancy inferred by presence/absence data. We monitored eight diurnal, terrestrial amphibian species including five Dendrobatidae and three Bufonidae. We found that CMR, the most precise way of estimating population size, can be used only with two species in high density patches where the recapture rate is high enough. Only for one of the species (Dendrobates tinctorius, a low coefficient of variation (CV = 0.19 can be achieved with 15 to 20 capture events. For dendrobatid species with day-calling males, audio surveys yield a better probability of detection with only 8 audio surveys needed; quantitative estimates can be achieved by computing the number of calling males inferred from audio counts or distance sampling analysis. We therefore suggest that an efficient monitoring protocol for Neotropical amphibian species should include a combination of sighting and audio techniques, and we discuss the need of implementing a large-scale monitoring in order to provide a baseline for comparison with future changes.

The performance trends of nuclear power plants worldwide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Glorian, D. [Electricite de France (EDF), 93 - Saint-Denis (France)

2001-07-01

Looking back to the worldwide operating experience feedback, which performance trends and conclusions could be drawn up? What is the specific situation of the French nuclear units, in comparison with the average worldwide performance? The performance of a unit or group of facilities is measured not only in technical terms (safety, availability, load control capability), but also from an economic and financial standpoint (operating and maintenance costs, fuel costs, etc). Performance in terms of radiological protection and on-the-job safety, as well as environmental protection, is also monitored in order to give the broadest possible overview of nuclear power plant performance. The main technical results are presented on the basis of selected performance indicators. The results obtained by French units are benchmarked against those of other PWR facilities in operation around the world, in accordance with comparisons made by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). (author)

The performance trends of nuclear power plants worldwide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Glorian, D.

2001-01-01

Looking back to the worldwide operating experience feedback, which performance trends and conclusions could be drawn up? What is the specific situation of the French nuclear units, in comparison with the average worldwide performance? The performance of a unit or group of facilities is measured not only in technical terms (safety, availability, load control capability), but also from an economic and financial standpoint (operating and maintenance costs, fuel costs, etc). Performance in terms of radiological protection and on-the-job safety, as well as environmental protection, is also monitored in order to give the broadest possible overview of nuclear power plant performance. The main technical results are presented on the basis of selected performance indicators. The results obtained by French units are benchmarked against those of other PWR facilities in operation around the world, in accordance with comparisons made by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). (author)

Radiological aerial monitoring in a nuclear emergency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shin, Hyeongki; Kim, Juyoul; Jung, Gunhyo

2008-01-01

Since North Korea announced the underground nuclear test on last October 9th, 2006, many countries around the world have worried about the atmospheric dispersion and pollution of radioactive materials crossing the border by the clandestine nuclear test. After that time, verifying the existence of nuclear test by detecting radioactive materials such as xenon, I-131, and Cs-134 at the early stage of radiological emergency, locating the position of test site by backward trajectory analysis, and chasing the moving path of airborne radionuclide have been heavily issued. And collection of airborne radioactivity and gamma radiation monitoring technology using an aircraft have been recently examined by an authority concerned in South Korea. Although various techniques of radiological aerial monitoring have been developed and operated around the world, the relevant technical development or research is still required. In order to decide potential measuring location and time within the framework of radiological monitoring system, we use HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model developed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of U.S. Department of Commerce. The model is validated and assessed against North Korea's nuclear test. Calculation results of radionuclide trajectory show a good agreement with measured values. Backward trajectory analysis is useful to track the radiological source term, possible time and place of nuclear accidents and/or activities. Nationwide early warning system using aircraft and atmospheric dispersion model can help a nearly real-time forecasting and warning in preparation for radiological emergencies. (author)

Future perspectives of French dissuasion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duval M.

1996-01-01

If the French deterrence must disappear in aid of an European deterrence, it will be necessary to take in account the development of nuclear weapon in Asia and then our deterrence system should maintain its credibility by getting the appropriate length. If policy problems are as important for civil nuclear than for military nuclear, it will be necessary to show concern about them because the Asian economy is in full development and Asia is not so frightened by nuclear power than Europe. (N.C.)

Report realized on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Commission, of Defense and Armed Forces on the law project allowing the agreement approbation between the French Republic Government and the Russian Federal Government relative to the civil liability concerning the nuclear damages occurring from goods supplying to nuclear facilities in Russian Federation and becoming from the French Republic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-01-01

The first part presents the international civil liability system in the nuclear domain and details then the 20 june 2000 agreement. It presents also the main aspects of the french-russian cooperation in the nuclear domain. (A.L.B.)

French experience on renewing I and C systems in NPPs. Feedback from assessing nuclear instrumentation system (RPN) refurbishment at French CP0-series plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Elsensohn, O.; Fradet, F.; Peron, J.C.; Soubies, B.

2003-01-01

In 1996, the utility operating France's nuclear power plants launched feasibility studies for the refurbishment of the nuclear instrumentation system (RPN classed category A) installed in its CPO-series (900 MWe) units. The system was ultimately upgraded with digital I and C system, using a SPINLINE 3 platform. This article describes feedback from an evaluation conducted on the refurbishment by the Institute of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), technical support arm of the Directorate General for Nuclear Safety and Radiological Protection (DGSNR). The study begins with a historical overview of the refurbishing operation, then discusses the IRSN assessment method and the lessons learned from this first major revamp of an I and C system in the French nuclear reactor series. Based on its previous experience in evaluating I and C systems for P4/P'4 (1300 MWe) and N4 (1450 MWe) plants and to account for the first-ever aspect of such an upgrade, IRSN partitioned its assessment into four phases. This approach enabled taking into account the impact of RPN refurbishment at every level - system, hardware and qualification, software, operation, onsite requalification, health physics, fire protection and human factors. All six units in the CPO series have now been equipped with the new digital RPN. (authors)

Review of annual radioecological studies carried out since 1991 in the French nuclear power plants environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duffa, C.; Gontier, G.; Renaud, P.

2004-01-01

Since 1991, the IRSN carries out annual radioecological studies in the environment of the French Nuclear Power Plants. More than 5,000 samples, collected in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems around the 20 studied plants, have been analysed by low-level gamma spectrometry. This paper presents the main goals and methods for such studies, and the lessons learnt from 11 years results. The French NPP routine atmospheric releases do not lead to detectable radioactive inputs into their surroundings. For this reason, IRSN decided to reduce the number of analysis concerning terrestrial samples since 2000. On the other hand, NPP liquid discharges into rivers are responsible for the presence of low 60 Co, 58 Co, 110m Ag and 54 Mn activities and significant difference in 137 Cs/ 134 Cs activity ratios measured in aquatic compartments. Radioactive discharges of artificial gamma emitters are also detectable in the Channel marine environment around NPP. Nevertheless, this influence is often concealed by radionuclides released by COGEMA-La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant. Beyond important evaluations concerning the presence of artificial radionuclides in NPP's environment, studies conducted since 1991 give us an important database that can be used for a better knowledge of transfers and distribution of radioactivity through the environment. (author)

Radiation Monitoring - A Key Element in a Nuclear Power Program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hussein, A.S.; El-dally, T.A.

2008-01-01

For a nuclear power plant, radiation is especially of great concern to the public and the environment. Therefore, a radiation monitoring program is becoming a critical importance. This program covers all phases of the nuclear plant including preoperational, normal operation, accident and decommissioning. The fundamental objective of radiation monitoring program is to ensure that the health and safety of public inside and around the plant and to confirm the radiation doses are below the dose limits for workers and the public. This paper summarizes the environmental radiation monitoring program for a nuclear power plant

77 FR 30030 - Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants

Science.gov (United States)

2012-05-21

... Nuclear Power Plants AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Regulatory guide; issuance. SUMMARY... (RG) 1.160, ``Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants.'' This guide... Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants,'' which provides methods that are...

The AIDA-MOX 1 program: Results of the French-Russian study on peaceful use of plutonium from dismantled Russian Nuclear weapons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yegorov, N.N.; Kudriavtsev, E.; Poplavsky, V.; Polyakov, A.; Ouin, X.; Camarcat, N.; Sicard, B.; Bernard, H.

1997-01-01

The Intergovernmental Agreement signed on November 12, 1992, between the governments of France and the Russian Federation instituted cooperation between the two countries for the safe elimination of the excess Russian nuclear weapons. France has allocated 400 million francs to this program, covering transportation and dismantling of nuclear weapons, interim storage and subsequent commercial use of the nuclear materials from the dismantled weapons, nuclear materials accountancy and safeguards, and scientific research. The concept of loading commercial Russian reactors with fuel fabricated from the plutonium recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons of the former Soviet Union is gaining widespread acceptance, and is at the heart of the French-Russian AIDA/MOX project

Safeguards for nuclear material transparency monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MacArthur, D.A.; Wolford, J.K.

1999-01-01

The US and the Russian Federation are currently engaged in negotiating or implementing several nuclear arms and nuclear material control agreements. These involve placing nuclear material in specially designed containers within controlled facilities. Some of the agreements require the removal of nuclear components from stockpile weapons. These components are placed in steel containers that are then sealed and tagged. Current strategies for monitoring the agreements involve taking neutron and gamma radiation measurements of components in their containers to monitor the presence, mass, and composition of plutonium or highly enriched uranium, as well as other attributes that indicate the use of the material in a weapon. If accurate enough to be useful, these measurements will yield data containing information about the design of the weapon being monitored. In each case, the design data are considered sensitive by one or both parties to the agreement. To prevent the disclosure of this information in a bilateral or trilateral inspection scenario, so-called information barriers have evolved. These barriers combine hardware, software, and procedural safeguards to contain the sensitive data within a protected volume, presenting to the inspector only the processed results needed for verification. Interlocks and volatile memory guard against disclosure in case of failure. Implementing these safeguards requires innovation in radiation measurement instruments and data security. Demonstrating their reliability requires independent testing to uncover any flaws in design. This study discusses the general problem and gives a proposed solution for a high resolution gamma ray detection system. It uses historical examples to illustrate the evolution of other successful systems

Evaluation of the impact and the releases of operating nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2005-01-01

The monitoring of nuclear installations releases, the associated impacts evaluation and the radiation monitoring of the environment are of an increase interest since the last ten years. Theses two days, organized by the environment section of the SFRP (French Society of Radiation Protection), aim to discuss the following topics: the development of the methods to improve radioactive elements and toxic substances releases in the environment; the structure of the environment control and the objectives of this control; the association of the local actors to the releases monitoring and to the environment control; the perspectives of evolution in matter of nuclear facilities releases management. (A.L.B.)

How to bring the nuclear share to 50 pc without stopping any reactor, nor increasing CO2 emissions. The issue of renewal of the French nuclear reactor fleet is also part of the debate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nifenecker, Herve

2013-01-01

In a first article, after having recalled the present situation of the French energy mix, the author analyses the consequences of the shutting down of 22 nuclear reactors by 2025 to bring the nuclear share down from 75 to 50 per cent. Different options are discussed: fossil energy (but CO 2 emissions would be impacted), renewable energy (hydroelectricity cannot be further developed, biomass can be useful for heat networks, and wind energy is limited). The author examines the possibilities of decreasing electricity consumption, and of a significant contribution of gas plants. He compares direct gas- and fuel oil-based heating with heating with electricity produced by gas plants. A second article addresses the issue of renewal of the French nuclear reactor fleet. It discusses how to choose the right renewal pace, and an assessment of exploitation losses

Proceedings of the 29th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wetovsky, Marvin A. [Editor; Benson, Jody [Editor; Patterson, Eileen F. [Editor

2007-09-25

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 29th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 25-27 September, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Proceedings of the 29th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Benson, Jody; Patterson, Eileen F.

2007-01-01

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 29th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 25-27 September, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

Living probabilistic safety assessment of French 1300 MWe PWR nuclear power plant unit: methodology, results and teaching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dubreuil Chambardel, A.; Villemeur, A.; Berger, J.P.; Moroni, J.M.

1991-02-01

Launched in 1986 by Electricite de France, the Probabilistic Safety Assessment of a French 1300 MWe Pressurized Water Reactor (called PSA 1300) was completed in 1989. The first objective was to assess the annual core damage frequency by identifying all the accident scenarii likely to contribute significantly to this frequency. The second objective of the study was to provide an automated computerized tool (software) for updating the assessment - in order to take new data and knowledge into account - and for performing numerous sensitivity studies easily. Its scope and characteristics render this study unique. Indeed, it required an effort amounting to 50 engineer-years. The results and the first lessons are presented in this paper. The PSA 1300 teachings will be extensively used for the design and operation of existing or future French nuclear power reactors

Proceedings of the 2009 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wetovsky, Marv A [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Aguilar - Chang, Julio [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Anderson, Dale [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Arrowsmith, Marie [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Arrowsmith, Stephen [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Baker, Diane [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Begnaud, Michael [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Harste, Hans [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Maceira, Monica [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Patton, Howard [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Phillips, Scott [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Randall, George [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Rowe, Charlotte [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Stead, Richard [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Steck, Lee [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Whitaker, Rod [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Yang, Xiaoning ( David ) [Los Alamos National Laboratory

2009-09-21

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2009: Ground -Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 21-23 September, 2009 in Tucson, Arizona,. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States’ capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.

International Remote Monitoring Project Embalse Nuclear Power Station, Argentina Embalse Remote Monitoring System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schneider, Sigfried L.; Glidewell, Donnie D.; Bonino, Anibal; Bosler, Gene; Mercer, David; Maxey, Curt; Vones, Jaromir; Martelle, Guy; Busse, James; Kadner, Steve; White, Mike; Rovere, Luis

1999-01-01

The Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear of Argentina (ARN), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ABACC, the US Department of Energy, and the US Support Program POTAS, cooperated in the development of a Remote Monitoring System for nuclear nonproliferation efforts. This system was installed at the Embalse Nuclear Power Station last year to evaluate the feasibility of using radiation sensors in monitoring the transfer of spent fuel from the spent fuel pond to dry storage. The key element in this process is to maintain continuity of knowledge throughout the entire transfer process. This project evaluated the fundamental design and implementation of the Remote Monitoring System in its application to regional and international safeguard efficiency. New technology has been developed to enhance the design of the system to include storage capability on board sensor platforms. This evaluation has led to design enhancements that will assure that no data loss will occur during loss of RF transmission of the sensors

Monitoring of occupational exposure at nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

The regulations concerning the monitoring of radiation doses of nuclear power plant workers and the reporting of radiation doses to the Finnish Centre for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (STUK) are specified in the guide. (10 refs.)

The Transformations of French Nuclear Export Policy (1974-1976): A Triple Double Game

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pouponneau, Florent

2013-01-01

A number of problems present themselves for any scholar seeking to take into account all determinants relating to 'national' and 'international' action in the analysis of foreign policy. In the domain of the French diplomatic practices of the mid-1970's-structured around the apparent issue of nuclear exports-archival consultation and interviews reveal that the various actors involved in this policy were not necessarily playing the same national and international 'double game.' While relations between states shape what they are and do, the various effects of refraction at work at the internal level prevents one from speaking of a state taken uniformly across a space of competition

A radiation monitoring system for nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iwai, Masaru; Nakamori, S.; Ikeda, H.; Oda, M.

1974-01-01

Safety with respect to radiation is vital factor, particularly in view of the increasing number of nuclear power plants. For this purpose, a radiation monitoring system is provided to perform constant supervision. This article describes the purpose, installation location, specifications and circuitry of a system which is divided into three units: the process monitor, area monitor and off-site monitor. (auth.)

France and nuclear deterrence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berquier, Marie-Noelle

2012-01-01

The nuclear deterrence topic in in the French programs of national education for students of middle and high schools. This dossier is made of 3 parts: Part 1 presents an historical review of the French nuclear deterrence policy and of the present day worldwide situation (nuclear weapon stocks, international agreements, non-proliferation policy, proliferation). Part 2 is a compilation of various documents, mainly excerpts from politicians' speeches and papers, presenting cross looks on French nuclear deterrence. The last part is devoted to various avenues of work and reflection about nuclear deterrence for various educational levels up to higher education and university

Environmental radiation monitoring system in nuclear power station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuoka, Sadazumi; Tadachi, Katsuo; Endo, Mamoru; Yuya, Hiroshi

1983-01-01

At the time of the construction of nuclear power stations, prior to their start of operation, the state of environmental radiation must be grasped. After the start of the power stations, based on those data, the system of environmental radiation monitoring is established. Along with the construction of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, The Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. jointly with Fujitsu Ltd. has developed a high-reliability, environmental radiation monitoring system, and adopted ''optical data highways'' using optical fiber cables for communication. It consists of a central monitoring station and 11 telemeter observation points, for collecting both radiation and meteorological data. The data sent to the central station through the highways are then outputted on a monitoring panel. They are analyzed with a central processor, and the results are printed out. (Mori, K.)

Cosmic ray muons for spent nuclear fuel monitoring

Science.gov (United States)

Chatzidakis, Stylianos

There is a steady increase in the volume of spent nuclear fuel stored on-site (at reactor) as currently there is no permanent disposal option. No alternative disposal path is available and storage of spent nuclear fuel in dry storage containers is anticipated for the near future. In this dissertation, a capability to monitor spent nuclear fuel stored within dry casks using cosmic ray muons is developed. The motivation stems from the need to investigate whether the stored content agrees with facility declarations to allow proliferation detection and international treaty verification. Cosmic ray muons are charged particles generated naturally in the atmosphere from high energy cosmic rays. Using muons for proliferation detection and international treaty verification of spent nuclear fuel is a novel approach to nuclear security that presents significant advantages. Among others, muons have the ability to penetrate high density materials, are freely available, no radiological sources are required and consequently there is a total absence of any artificial radiological dose. A methodology is developed to demonstrate the applicability of muons for nuclear nonproliferation monitoring of spent nuclear fuel dry casks. Purpose is to use muons to differentiate between spent nuclear fuel dry casks with different amount of loading, not feasible with any other technique. Muon scattering and transmission are used to perform monitoring and imaging of the stored contents of dry casks loaded with spent nuclear fuel. It is shown that one missing fuel assembly can be distinguished from a fully loaded cask with a small overlapping between the scattering distributions with 300,000 muons or more. A Bayesian monitoring algorithm was derived to allow differentiation of a fully loaded dry cask from one with a fuel assembly missing in the order of minutes and negligible error rate. Muon scattering and transmission simulations are used to reconstruct the stored contents of sealed dry casks

The energy and the french people opinion barometer in June 2006

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

This inquiry, constituted by 10 questions about the energy, dealt with three main topics: the nuclear energy, the electric power policy and the energies prices. The choice of the nuclear to produce the electric power is always supported by a relative majority of french people but the craze of 2003-2005 decreases. The radioactive wastes production and storage are the major disadvantage of the nuclear. The major part of the french people is favorable to the following of the electric power (from nuclear energy) exportation, even those who disagree the nuclear. The fears about the energy prices concern all the energies except the electric power. (A.L.B.)

INES- French application to radioactive material transport

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sowinski, S.; Strawa, S.; Aguilar, J.

2004-01-01

After gaining control of radioactive material transport in June 1997, the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) decided to apply the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES scale) to transport events. The Directorate General for Nuclear Safety and Radioprotection (DGSNR) requests that radioactive material package consignors declare any event occurring during transport, and has introduced the use of the INES scale adapted to classify transport events in order to inform the public and to have feedback. The INES scale is applicable to events arising in nuclear installations associated with the civil nuclear industry and events occurring during the transport of radioactive materials to and from them. The INES scale consists of seven levels. It is based on the successive application of three types of criterion (off-site impact, on-site impact and degradation of defence in depth) and uses the maximum level to determine the rating of an accident. As the transport in question takes place on public thoroughfares, only the off-site impact criteria and degradation of defence in-depth criteria apply. This paper deals with DGSNR's feedback during the past 7 years concerning the French application of the INES scale. Significant events that occurred during transport are presented. The French experience was used by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop a draft guide in 2002 and the IAEA asked countries to use a new draft for a trial period in July 2004. (author)

France and nuclear proliferation: the new generation of nuclear submarines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barrillot, B.

2001-01-01

Ten years after the end of the 'cold war' the French government has pursued its national defense program with the construction of a new generation of nuclear submarines with new type of missiles and nuclear heads. This book analyzes the possible solutions for a step by step elimination of nuclear weapons from the French weapons stock. (J.S.)

Nuclear and intermittent renewables: Two compatible supply options? The case of the French power mix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cany, Camille; Mansilla, Christine; Costa, Pascal da; Mathonnière, Gilles; Duquesnoy, Thierry; Baschwitz, Anne

2016-01-01

The complementary features of low-carbon power sources are a central issue in designing energy transition policies. The French current electricity mix is characterised by a high share of nuclear power which equalled 76% of the total electric production in 2015. With the increase in intermittent renewable sources, nuclear flexibility is examined as part of the solution to balance electricity supply and demand. Our proposed methodology involves designing scenarios with nuclear and intermittent renewable penetration levels, and developing residual load duration curves in each case. The load modulation impact on the nuclear production cost is estimated. This article shows to which extent the nuclear annual energy production will decrease with high shares of intermittent renewables (down to load factors of 40% for proactive assumptions). However, the production cost increase could be compensated by progressively replacing the plants. Moreover, incentives are necessary if nuclear is to compete with combined-cycle gas turbines as its alternative back-up option. In order to reconcile the social planner with plant operator goals, the solution could be to find new outlets rather than reducing nuclear load factors. Nuclear flexibility could then be considered in terms of using its power to produce heat or hydrogen. - Highlights: •Nuclear flexibility is examined to balance the system with high renewables share. •Impacts of wind and solar shares on the nuclear load factor and LCOE are assessed. •Nuclear fleet replacement must be progressive to ensure competitive load-following. •Incentives are needed for nuclear to compete with CCGT gas back-up. •We recommend considering nuclear flexibility through the power use.

Integrated nuclear radiation detector and monitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biehl, B.L.; Lieberman, S.I.

1982-01-01

A battery powered device which can continuously monitor and detect nuclear radiation utilizing fully integrated circuitry and which is provided with an alarm which alerts persons when the radiation level exceeds a predetermined threshold

Anglo-French Collaboration in the Nuclear Sector: The Human, Social and Ethical Dimensions. Graduate seminar, Maison Francaise d'Oxford, Monday 15 May 2017

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Denoun, Martin; Tsuchiya, Miyuki; Degremont-Dorville, Marie; Bouillet, Jeremy; Deront, Eva; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Kobylka, Krzysztof; Nithesh, Antony; Defard, Camille; Giachetti, Charles; Nivole, Audrey; Takahashi, Makoto; Pini, Paul-Etienne; Lloyd, Clara

2017-05-01

A graduate workshop was held on Monday 15 May, at the Maison francaise d'Oxford, involving a little group of graduate students, from the UK and France. They were invited to present their research and to engage in discussions over the place of nuclear energy in the context of the social sciences and humanities. Wider issues of relevance and interest regarding nuclear energy - such as its human, cultural and philosophical dimensions - have not received sufficient attention in either France or Britain. A number of specific areas were identified to be significant in this respect: - The need for clearer, 'unbiased' information, explanations and better understanding of the wider human dimensions associated with nuclear energy. - A better understanding of the influences upon, and differences in social attitudes towards nuclear in France and Britain. - The factors influencing varying attitudes within Britain and France amongst different sections of society. Particular references were made to the younger age groups and gender differences. - And understanding of 'changes' of attitude and support found in Britain and France, in more recent times. - The importance of the community, social, cultural, ethical and human dimensions given the unique nature of the nuclear sector, and in particular the long term nature and scale of economic and social investments associated with nuclear energy. - The impact of perceptions about the nuclear risk factors that may, or may not, be very different to reality over time. - The global nature of the impact of the sector on Anglo-French interests and the opportunities for positive collaboration, and learning in the wider human, social, ethical, cultural and philosophical aspects. - The multitude of social media channels available for disseminating information and opinions that influence social attitudes about nuclear energy. - A lack of trust in policy or operational statements emanating from the government, company or

Vibration control and monitoring in nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Theodor, P.

1989-01-01

Nuclear Power Plants are operated with a computer system support. The computer system for a nuclear power plant is designed to reliably monitor plant parameters and perform a series of operations and calculations designed to allow increased plant operation efficiency. Rotating machinery surveillance methods for the recognition of damage are particularly important in Nuclear Power Plants. Deviation of the vibration behavior from normal conditions is an indicator of the development of incipient faults and can be reliably recognized by the use of vibration monitoring systems. Machinery Condition Monitoring is defined as a method or methods of surveillance designed to recognize changes from a norm and is also a warning or it initiates an automatic shutdown when the changes exceed limiting values or safety limits. This paper reports that it is important to distinguish between surveillance and diagnostics. Whereas the former is necessary for protection, the latter is not generally required until it becomes necessary to identify the source of a known anomaly

Smart Sensor ASIC for Nuclear Power Monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kerwin, David B.; Merkel, Kenneth G.; Rouxel, Olivier

2013-06-01

Mixed-signal integrated circuits are used in a variety of applications where ionizing radiation is present, including satellites, space vehicles, nuclear reactor monitoring, medical imaging, and cancer therapy. While total ionizing radiation is present in each of these environments, the type of radiation (e.g. heavy ions vs. high-energy x-rays) and other environmental factors present unique challenges to the mixed-signal designer. This paper discusses a Smart Sensor radiation hardened, mixed-signal, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) specifically designed for sensor monitoring in a nuclear reactor environment. Results after exposure to gamma rays, neutrons, and temperatures up to 200 deg. C are reported. (authors)

The nuclear dissuasion without tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-02-01

Since the signature of the french treaty against the nuclear tests (Tice) in 1995, the french engineers must used the simulation to warrant the performance and the safety of weapons. This paper recalls the historical aspects of the french nuclear tests and presents the technological and scientific resources to simulate a nuclear weapon operating. a special interest is given to the computer TERA. (A.L.B.)

Strategy for maintaining cleanliness in the secondary part of Steam Generators of French PWRs fleet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prin, C.

2012-01-01

Between 2004 and 2006, EDF noticed primary / secondary leakages on Steam Generators (SG) of a French nuclear plant. Further studies have shown that fouling by iron oxides and clogging of the quatrefoils broached holes of the Tubes Support Plates (TSP) are aggravating factors of the risk of cracking by vibration-induced fatigue of the SG's tubes. EDF then initiated a program of chemical cleaning of steam generators to restore and maintain an acceptable state of cleanliness of the secondary part of SG. This paper presents EDF's strategy to achieve this goal. It is organized as follows : first, fouling and clogging phenomenon and associated estimation means are explained. Then the strategy of chemical cleaning and its evolution are presented. The implemented processes as well as process monitoring and plants requalification are also described. Finally, the operations performed, the continuous improvement process conducted in connection with the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the control of environmental impact are reviewed. This paper was written with the support of AREVA and Westinghouse, the two operators of chemical cleaning in France. (author)

The french energy policy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1991-01-01

This book describes french energy policy from 1973 oil crisis till 1992. In a first part, energy consumption, domestic primary energy production, trend of independence energy ratio and costs of petroleum imports in France are presented. In a second part, long-term energy prospects and new axis of energy policy are given: trends of french energy needs, progressive substitution of fossil fuels by nuclear energy and hydroelectric power, energy policy in Common Market and cooperation with eastern Europe. In a third part, energy demand and supply are studied: energy conservation policy in housing, transport and industrial sector is developed. Power generation policy is focused on two main stakes: the choice of investments and nuclear power plants programming, the quality of electric power and the development of efficient uses and exports. A diversification between coal petroleum and natural gas is led. After the fall of petroleum prices in 1986, renewable energies have lost their competitiveness, fire wood occupies a significant place

The introduction of radiation monitor produced by several nuclear instrument factories

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Liying

2005-01-01

The paper introduce some radiation monitor products of several nuclear instrument factories include Xi'an Nuclear Instrument Factory, MGP Instruments Inc, and Canberra Industries Inc. The introduction aspects include the range, configuration, and application of products. So, the paper is reference for the designer with responsibility for radiation monitoring system of new nuclear project. (authors)

Risk monitor riskangel for risk-informed applications in nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Fang; Wang, Jiaqun; Wang, Jin; Li, Yazhou; Hu, Liqin; Wu, Yican

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A general risk monitor riskangel with high-speed cutsets generator engine. • Benchmarks of actual nuclear power plant (NPP) instantaneous risk models. • Applications in daily operation, maintenance plan and component out of service. - Abstract: This paper studied the requirements of risk monitor software and its applications as a plant specific risk monitor, which supports risk-informed configuration risk management for the two CANDU 6 units at the Third Qinshan nuclear power plant (TQNPP) in China. It also describes the regulatory prospective on risk-informed Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) applications and the use of risk monitor at operating nuclear power plants, high level technical and functional requirements for the development of CANDU specific risk monitor software, and future development trends.

Report made on behalf of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Armed Forces Commission of the law project authorizing the cooperation agreement between the French Republic Government and the Indian Republic Government for the development of nuclear energy peaceful uses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2009-09-01

This report of the French National Assembly first describes the objectives of the development of the civilian nuclear energy in India as a response to energy challenges faced by this country, and the India's need of an international cooperation to enable the development of such an electronuclear program. Then, it comments the relationship between India's access to civilian nuclear cooperation and the evolution of India's position with respect to the non-proliferation international regime, describing the current framework of nuclear cooperation with India, recalling Indian commitments and the decisions taken by international institutions, the decisions of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and the current non-proliferation international regime. The report then describes the contents of the French-Indian agreement, and the general characteristics of the French civilian nuclear cooperation policy. A synthesis of the discussion of the Commission is given, followed by the bill text, and the texts of several official French and Indian statements

Automatic acoustic and vibration monitoring system for nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tothmatyas, Istvan; Illenyi, Andras; Kiss, Jozsef; Komaromi, Tibor; Nagy, Istvan; Olchvary, Geza

1990-01-01

A diagnostic system for nuclear power plant monitoring is described. Acoustic and vibration diagnostics can be applied to monitor various reactor components and auxiliary equipment including primary circuit machinery, leak detection, integrity of reactor vessel, loose parts monitoring. A noise diagnostic system has been developed for the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, to supervise the vibration state of primary circuit machinery. An automatic data acquisition and processing system is described for digitalizing and analysing diagnostic signals. (R.P.) 3 figs

The formal notices of the French authority of nuclear safety; Les mises en demeure de l'autorite de surete nucleaire

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2002-07-01

The French authority of nuclear safety (ASN) publishes on its web site (http://www.asn.gouv.fr) the formal notices and official statements addressed by the ASN to the concerned responsible persons (operators of nuclear facilities, directors of companies etc..) when anomalies requiring a corrective action have been noticed during on-site or off-site safety inspections. This document brings together the formal notices addressed by the ASN since June 2000 and up to April 2002. (J.S.)

Discussion on monitoring items of radionuclides in influents from nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Yanxia; Li Jin; Liu Jiacheng; Han Shanbiao; Yu Zhengwei

2014-01-01

For the radionuclide monitoring items of effluents from nuclear power plant, this paper makes some comparisons and analysis from three aspects of the international atomic energy general requirements, the routine radionuclide measurement items of China's nuclear power plant and effluents low level radionuclide experimental research results. Finally, it summarizes the necessary items and recommended items of the radionuclide monitoring of effluents from nuclear power plant, which can provide references for the radioactivity monitoring activities of nuclear power plant effluent and the supervisions of regulatory departments. (authors)

Laundry monitor for nuclear facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ishibashi, Mitsuo (Toshiba Corp., Fuchu (Japan). Fuchu Works)

1984-06-01

A laundry monitor has been developed for the detection and cleansification of radiation contamination on the clothes, headgear, footgear, etc. of workers in nuclear facilities. With this monitor, measurement is made irrespective of the size and shape of the objects; a large-area plastic scintillation detector is incorporated; it has stable and highly sensitive characteristics, with the merits of swift measurement, economical operation and easy maintenance. Connected with a folding machine, automatic carrying and storing compartment through a conveyor, it is capable of saving energy and man power, contributing to scheduled operation, and improving the efficiency of the facilities.

Laundry monitor for nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishibashi, Mitsuo

1984-01-01

A laundry monitor has been developed for the detection and cleansification of radiation contamination on the clothes, headgear, footgear, etc. of workers in nuclear facilities. With this monitor, measurement is made irrespective of the size and shape of the objects ; a large-area plastic scintillation detector is incorporated ; it has stable and highly sensitive characteristics, with the merits of swift measurement, economical operation and easy maintenance. Connected with a folding machine, automatic carrying and storing compartment through a conveyor, it is capable of saving energy and man power, contributing to scheduled operation, and improving the efficiency of the facilities. (author)

Improvements in Defense in Depth in French Nuclear Power Plants Following Fukushima Accidents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barbaud, J. [EDF SEPTEN, Villeurbanne Cedex (France); Pouget-Abadie, X., E-mail: jean.barbaud@edf.fr [EDF DIN Headquarters, Saint-Denis (France)

2014-10-15

The accidents which occurred in the nuclear power plants in Fukushima-Daiichi resulted in a complementary safety assessment (CSA or stress-tests) of all French NPPs to confirm their compliance with their design bases and to evaluate their behaviour beyond it. They have shown that nuclear facilities have a satisfactory level of safety, but it had been decided to significantly improve their robustness to extreme situations, beyond the safety margins they have already. Planned improvements include several parts, where the main ones are the implementation of a hardened safety core (HSC) of key components for the management of extreme situations resulting from a hazard beyond the design and deployment of a nuclear rapid response force (FARN). The hardened safety core aims to avoid massive releases and lasting effects in the environment. It relies on existing or new components designed or verified to hazards with significant margins compared to the design levels of NPP beyond. It also includes provisions allowing crisis management, including crisis centre and communication means. The FARN complements the HSC and the crisis organization to bring from off-site sufficient human and material resources to increase the autonomy of the site. All these improvement contribute to a better defence in depth. (author)

The French nuclear programme

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feger, M [Ecole Nationale Superieure d' Electrotechnique de Grenoble, Institute National des Sciences et Techniques Nucleaires (Saclay), Gif-sur-Yvette, Electricite de France (France)

1990-06-01

EDF has long been interested in the use of nuclear energy for thermal power generation. After a period of apprenticeship and experiments, EDF launched a major PWR plant programme so as to reduce France's energy dependence and master generation costs. This programme, based on standardization, has achieved the desired results. It must now be adapted to suit the needs of the 21st century. For this programme, all those involved (Governmental authorities, EDF, manufacturers) were mobilized to an unprecedented extent and rigorous working methods were imposed. Experience feedback has been used to make improvements both to the installations themselves and to procedures. Results have proved satisfactory as regards nuclear safety but vigilance must be maintained. Public opinion on nuclear power is reserved we are sentenced to achieving a 'fault-free' track record, all the while mastering costs, so as to ensure the continuing use of nuclear energy. (author)

The French nuclear programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Feger, M.

1990-01-01

EDF has long been interested in the use of nuclear energy for thermal power generation. After a period of apprenticeship and experiments, EDF launched a major PWR plant programme so as to reduce France's energy dependence and master generation costs. This programme, based on standardization, has achieved the desired results. It must now be adapted to suit the needs of the 21st century. For this programme, all those involved (Governmental authorities, EDF, manufacturers) were mobilized to an unprecedented extent and rigorous working methods were imposed. Experience feedback has been used to make improvements both to the installations themselves and to procedures. Results have proved satisfactory as regards nuclear safety but vigilance must be maintained. Public opinion on nuclear power is reserved we are sentenced to achieving a 'fault-free' track record, all the while mastering costs, so as to ensure the continuing use of nuclear energy. (author)

Nuclear power, society and environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1997-01-01

This rubric reports on 12 short notes about sociological and environmental aspects of nuclear power in France and other countries: the epidemiological inquiry widened to all French nuclear sites; the sanitary and radioecological effects of nuclear activities in Northern Cotentin (France); the WONUC (World National Council of Nuclear Workers) anger with the French government about the shutdown of Superphenix reactor; the new more informative promotional campaign of Electricite de France (EdF) for nuclear power; the scientific and research prices attributed by the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to its searchers; the creation of a committee of inquiry in the French senate for the careful examination of the economical, social and financial consequences of the shutdown of Superphenix; the 31.2% increase of CEA-Industrie benefits for 1997; the decrease of nuclear contestation in Germany; the French-German communication efficiency during the Fessenheim accident simulation in October 7, 1997; the 3.5% increase of CO 2 emissions in the USA; the decommissioning of 3 Russian reactors for military plutonium production; Greenpeace condemnation for abusive purposes against British Nuclear Fuel plc (BNFL) and its activities at Sellafield (UK). (J.S.)

Implemented organisation for subcontracting companies involved in the maintenance of the French nuclear stock - Sheet nr 39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

Every year, some 20,000 subcontracted salaried employees are mobilised for maintenance operations in the French nuclear reactors. Subcontracting is an answer to different needs: specific abilities, the short delay for maintenance during which a reactor is stopped, and which requires a very important contribution of labour, and specialised labour for some interventions. The document evokes a rigorous selection and certification process, and indicates the different specific training which are organised for anyone intervening in a nuclear power plant. It outlines that radiation protection and safety arrangements are the same for all (dosimetry), and that some measurements are performed on some temporary workers. Some data shows that these controls are efficient and that safety is improving

Which future for the French nuclear deterrence in front of today's and tomorrow's geostrategic challenges and changes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pascallon, Pierre; Tertrais, Bruno; Gere, Francois; Le Guelte, Georges; Rocard, Michel; Wodka-Gallien, Philippe; Queau, Yannick; Forget, Michel; Dufourcq, Jean; Desportes, Vincent; Copel, Etienne; Gaviard, Jean-Patrick; Morin, Herve

2015-01-01

The contributions of this colloquium aimed at examining and discussing various issues regarding the French nuclear deterrence policy and forces: must we maintain our deterrence force in front of new geostrategic challenges and changes (development of asymmetric conflicts and of terrorism, high threats of conventional conflicts)? If yes, which choices and which modifications must be made for this nuclear deterrence to take these threats into account? Thus, the authors address and discuss various issues like budgetary constraints, doctrine and strategy, role of the Non Proliferation Treaty, choice among the various components of the nuclear force (airborne, seaborne), disarmament, proliferation, and so on

Application of fatigue monitoring system in PWR nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Piao Lei

2014-01-01

Fatigue failure is one form of equipment failure of nuclear power plant, influencing equipment lifetime and lifetime extension. Fatigue monitoring system can track real thermal transient at fatigue sensitive components, establish a basis for fatigue analyses based on realistic operating loads, identify unexpected operational transients, optimize the plant behavior by improved operating modes, provide supporting data for lifetime management, enhance security of plant and reduce economical loss. Fatigue monitoring system has been applied in many plants and is required to be applied in Generation-III nuclear power plant. It is necessary to develop the fatigue monitoring system with independent intellectual property rights and improve the competitiveness of domestic Generation-III nuclear power technology. (author)

Online condition monitoring to enable extended operation of nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meyer, Ryan Michael; Bond, Leonard John; Ramuhalli, Pradeep

2012-01-01

Safe, secure, and economic operation of nuclear power plants will remain of strategic significance. New and improved monitoring will likely have increased significance in the post-Fukushima world. Prior to Fukushima, many activities were already underway globally to facilitate operation of nuclear power plants beyond their initial licensing periods. Decisions to shut down a nuclear power plant are mostly driven by economic considerations. Online condition monitoring is a means to improve both the safety and economics of extending the operating lifetimes of nuclear power plants, enabling adoption of proactive aging management. With regard to active components (e.g., pumps, valves, motors, etc.), significant experience in other industries has been leveraged to build the science base to support adoption of online condition-based maintenance and proactive aging management in the nuclear industry. Many of the research needs are associated with enabling proactive management of aging in passive components (e.g., pipes, vessels, cables, containment structures, etc.). This paper provides an overview of online condition monitoring for the nuclear power industry with an emphasis on passive components. Following the overview, several technology/knowledge gaps are identified, which require addressing to facilitate widespread online condition monitoring of passive components. (author)

Containment pressure monitoring method after severe accident in nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luo Chuanjie; Zhang Shishui

2011-01-01

The containment atmosphere monitoring system in nuclear power plant was designed on the basis of design accident. But containment pressure will increase greatly in a severe accident, and pressure instrument in the containment can't satisfy the monitoring requirement. A new method to monitor the pressure change in the containment after a severe accident was considered, through which accident soften methods can be adopted. Under present technical condition, adding a pressure monitoring channel out of containment for post-severe accident is a considerable method. Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant implemented this modification, by which the containment release time can be delayed during severe accident, and nuclear safety can be increased. After analysis, this method is safe and feasible. (authors)

Latest nuclear monitoring instrumentation and control system and its planned application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawakami, Seishiro; Sato, Toshifumi; Ikeda, Jun

2002-01-01

With the recent rapid progress made in electronic devices used in digital monitoring and control systems, Toshiba has developed special-purpose digital monitoring equipment and human-machine interface equipment that meet the special requirement of high reliability and long-term supply and maintainability for nuclear power plants, and is scheduled to apply these new products to actual nuclear power plants. Moreover, for the in-core sensor, which is a special-purpose product for nuclear power plants, Toshiba has been developing a new local power range monitor (LPRM) detector as the comprehensive result of improvements made up to now, and has developed the first domestic gamma-thermo (GT) detector as a pivot of the next-generation neutron monitoring system. (author)

French and european opinions about energy questions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-03-01

This paper presents a statistical study of french and european opinions in 1989 about energy questions. The main subjects studied are: qualities of different energy sources (coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear energy, renewable energies); perception in public opinion of nuclear industry; energy and environmental effects. 6 figs., 1 tab., 4 appendices

Tethered Contactless Mobile Nuclear Environment Monitoring Robot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, S. Y.; Lee, E. S.; Lee, Kun J.; Kim, Su H.; Rim, C. T.

2013-01-01

In fact, the nuclear environment monitoring is significantly crucial for early detection of NPP accident, radiological emergency, the estimation of radiation exposure to nearby residents as well as the long term radioactivity. In the UAE, the nuclear environment monitoring is, however, quite challenging because sampling locations are far from NPPs and the outdoor temperature and humidity are very high for NPP workers to collect soil, air, and water samples. Therefore, nuclear environment monitoring robots (Nubos) are strongly needed for the NPPs in the UAE. The Nubos can be remotely controlled to collect samples in extreme environment instead of NPP workers. Moreover, the Nubos can be unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) to collect soil, air, and water samples, respectively. In this paper, the prototype development of UGV type Nubos using power cable for a long distance power delivery, called Tethered contactless mobile Nubo is introduced and validated by experiments. In this paper, the prototype development of Tethered Contactless Mobile (TeCoM) Nubo, which can be powered continuously within several km distance and avoid tangled cable, and the indoor test are finished. As further works, outdoor demonstration and a grand scale R and D proposal of practical Nubo will be proceeded

Tethered Contactless Mobile Nuclear Environment Monitoring Robot

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Choi, S. Y.; Lee, E. S.; Lee, Kun J.; Kim, Su H.; Rim, C. T. [Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2013-05-15

In fact, the nuclear environment monitoring is significantly crucial for early detection of NPP accident, radiological emergency, the estimation of radiation exposure to nearby residents as well as the long term radioactivity. In the UAE, the nuclear environment monitoring is, however, quite challenging because sampling locations are far from NPPs and the outdoor temperature and humidity are very high for NPP workers to collect soil, air, and water samples. Therefore, nuclear environment monitoring robots (Nubos) are strongly needed for the NPPs in the UAE. The Nubos can be remotely controlled to collect samples in extreme environment instead of NPP workers. Moreover, the Nubos can be unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) to collect soil, air, and water samples, respectively. In this paper, the prototype development of UGV type Nubos using power cable for a long distance power delivery, called Tethered contactless mobile Nubo is introduced and validated by experiments. In this paper, the prototype development of Tethered Contactless Mobile (TeCoM) Nubo, which can be powered continuously within several km distance and avoid tangled cable, and the indoor test are finished. As further works, outdoor demonstration and a grand scale R and D proposal of practical Nubo will be proceeded.

Microcomputer based shelf system to monitor special nuclear materials in storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nicholson, N.; Kuckertz, T.H.; Ethridge, C.D.

1980-01-01

Diversion of special nuclear material has become a matter of grave concern in recent years. Large quantities of this material are kept in long-term storage and must be inventoried periodically, resulting in a time-consuming activity that exposes personnel to additional radiation. A system that provides continuous surveillance of stored special nuclear materials has been developed. A shelf monitor has been designed using a single component microcomputer to collect data from a Geiger Muller tube that monitors gamma emissions and a scale that monitors the total weight of the special nuclear material and its container. A network of these shelf monitors reports their acquired data to a minicomputer for analysis and storage. Because a large number of these monitors is likely to be needed in most storage facilities, one objective of this program has been to develop a low cost but reliable monitor

New technologies in nuclear power plant monitoring and diagnosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turkcan, E.; Verhoef, J.P.; Ciftcioglu, O.

1996-01-01

Several representative new technologies being introduce for monitoring and diagnosis in nuclear power plants (NPP) are presented in this paper. In Sec. 2, the Kalman filtering is briefly described and it relevance to conventional time series analysis methods are emphasized. In this respect, its NPP monitoring and fault diagnosis implementations are given and the important features are pointed out. In Sec. 3, the NN technology is briefly described and the scope is focused on the NPP monitoring and fault diagnosis implementations. In Sec. 4, the wavelet technology is briefly described and the utilization of this technology in Nuclear Technology is exemplified. In this respect, also the prospective role of this technology for real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis is revealed. (author). 33 refs, 6 figs

New technologies in nuclear power plant monitoring and diagnosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Turkcan, E; Verhoef, J P [Netherlands Energy Research Foundation (ECN), Petten (Netherlands); Ciftcioglu, O [Istanbul Technical Univ., Istanbul (Turkey). Nuclear Power Dept.

1997-12-31

Several representative new technologies being introduce for monitoring and diagnosis in nuclear power plants (NPP) are presented in this paper. In Sec. 2, the Kalman filtering is briefly described and it relevance to conventional time series analysis methods are emphasized. In this respect, its NPP monitoring and fault diagnosis implementations are given and the important features are pointed out. In Sec. 3, the NN technology is briefly described and the scope is focused on the NPP monitoring and fault diagnosis implementations. In Sec. 4, the wavelet technology is briefly described and the utilization of this technology in Nuclear Technology is exemplified. In this respect, also the prospective role of this technology for real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis is revealed. (author). 33 refs, 6 figs.

Monitoring support system for nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Higashikawa, Yuichi; Kubota, Rhuji; Tanaka, Keiji; Takano, Yoshiyuki

1996-01-01

The nuclear power plants in Japan reach to 49 plants and supply 41.19 million kW in their installed capacities, which is equal to about 31% of total electric power generation and has occupied an important situation as a stable energy supplying source. As an aim to keeping safe operation and working rate of the power plants, various monitoring support systems using computer technology, optical information technology and robot technology each advanced rapidly in recent year have been developed to apply to the actual plants for a plant state monitoring system of operators in normal operation. Furthermore, introduction of the emergent support system supposed on accidental formation of abnormal state of the power plants is also investigated. In this paper, as a monitoring system in the recent nuclear power plants, design of control panel of recent central control room, introduction to its actual plant and monitoring support system in development were described in viewpoints of improvement of human interface, upgrade of sensor and signal processing techniques, and promotion of information service technique. And, trend of research and development of portable miniature detector and emergent monitoring support system are also introduced in a viewpoint of labor saving and upgrade of the operating field. (G.K.)

International remote monitoring project Argentina Nuclear Power Station Spent Fuel Transfer Remote Monitoring System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schneider, S.; Lucero, R.; Glidewell, D.

1997-01-01

The Autoridad Regulataria Nuclear (ARN) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) are cooperating on the development of a Remote Monitoring System for nuclear nonproliferation efforts. A Remote Monitoring System for spent fuel transfer will be installed at the Argentina Nuclear Power Station in Embalse, Argentina. The system has been designed by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) providing gamma and neutron sensors. This project will test and evaluate the fundamental design and implementation of the Remote Monitoring System in its application to regional and international safeguards efficiency. This paper provides a description of the monitoring system and its functions. The Remote Monitoring System consists of gamma and neutron radiation sensors, RF systems, and video systems integrated into a coherent functioning whole. All sensor data communicate over an Echelon LonWorks Network to a single data logger. The Neumann DCM 14 video module is integrated into the Remote Monitoring System. All sensor and image data are stored on a Data Acquisition System (DAS) and archived and reviewed on a Data and Image Review Station (DIRS). Conventional phone lines are used as the telecommunications link to transmit on-site collected data and images to remote locations. The data and images are authenticated before transmission. Data review stations will be installed at ARN in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ABACC in Rio De Janeiro, IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, and Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 2 refs., 2 figs

The CTBT Verification Regime: Monitoring the Earth for nuclear explosions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-03-01

The Comprehensive nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear weapon tests. Its unique verification regime is designed to detect nuclear explosions anywhere on the planet - in the oceans, underground and in the atmosphere. once complete, the international Monitoring system (iMs) will consist of 337 facilities located in 89 countries around the globe. The iMs is currently operating in test mode so that data are already transmitted for analysis from monitoring facilities to the international Data Centre (iDC) at the headquarters of the preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna. Data and analysis results are shared with Member states.

Review of In-Service Inspection and Repair Technique Developments for French Liquid Metal Fast Reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baque, F.

2005-01-01

In-service monitoring of nuclear plants is indispensable for both the Operator and the Regulator. The notion of in-service monitoring ranges from the continuous monitoring of the reactor in operation to the thorough in-service reactor inspection during programmed shutdowns. However, the highly specific environment found in French liquid metal fast reactor plants - Phenix and Superphenix - makes monitoring and inspection complicated because of the use of a sodium coolant that is hot, opaque, and difficult to drain.The Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, in collaboration with its traditional French partners, Electricite de France utilities and FRAMATOME/Novatome Engineering, decided to conduct a 6-yr research and development program (1994-2000) to explore this problem vis-a-vis Superphenix, as well as the possibilities of intervening within the reactor block or on components in a sodium environment. Furthermore, the safety reevaluation of Phenix, conducted between 1994 and 2003, represented an excellent 'test bench' during which the limits of inspection processes - applied to an integrated reactor concept - were surpassed using techniques such as fuel subassembly head scanning, ultrasonic examination of the core support, and visual inspection of the cover-gas plenum following a partial sodium draining. Repair techniques were investigated for cleaning of sodium wet structure surfaces, cutting of damaged parts, and welding in sodium aerosol atmosphere. Both conventional and laser processes were tested

Assessment of the radiological consequences in case of an emergency on a nuclear installation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manesse, D.; Crabol, B.

1988-04-01

The French Institute for Health Physics and Nuclear Safety (IPSN) has, for emergency cases on nuclear installations, an Emergency Technical Centre (Centre Technique de Crise - CTC) to provide the public authorities with the technical analysis of the events and with information concerning possible developments in terms of potential releases and radiological consequences to the environment. The CTC is connected, by a special line, to the French Meteorological Office so as to have access to meteorological parameters and local forecasts on the nuclear site at all times. For atmospheric dispersion and radiological consequences, three methods have been developed: a set of operational graphs (for first aid), a gaussian plume model and a gaussian puff model (SIROCCO); the latter two models are implanted on a VAX 8530 computer (with graphical monitors) reserved for that purpose [fr

High committee for transparency and information on nuclear safety: meeting of September 10, 2010

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2010-01-01

After the approval of its rules of procedure and the designation of the High committee office, the members of the committee discuss the following topics: the High committee communication rules, various issues regarding radioactive wastes (activity of the low level waste work group, recent decisions made by the government on the process of selection of a low level waste storage site, perspectives and modalities of a public hearing organised by the committee according to the mission defined in the waste bill). Then, they discuss the environmental monitoring issue: organisation and strategy of radioactivity control in France by the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) and by the French institute for radiation protection and nuclear safety (IRSN), assessment of the radio-ecological status at the vicinity of basic nuclear installations

The opinion barometer on the french people and the energy in january 2003

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-06-01

This inquiry realized by the CREDOC for the ''Observatoire de l'energie'', presents the opinion of french people on the main four topics: the nuclear energy, the energies prices, the supplying safety and the power lines hiding in the ground. It seems that the instability of the international situation and the economical context contributed to the french moroseness. The french energy independence becomes a priority objective and the nuclear choice, as the production of three quarters of the electric power in France, finds supporters again. (A.L.B.)

Monitoring and management of tritium from the nuclear power plant effluent

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Qiaoe; Liu, Ting; Yang, Lili; Meng, De; Song, Dahu

2018-01-01

It is important to regulate tritium nuclides from the nuclear power plant effluent, the paper briefly analyzes the main source of tritium, and the regulatory requirements associated with tritium in our country and the United States. The monitoring methods of tritium from the nuclear power plant effluent are described, and the purpose to give some advice to our national nuclear power plant about the effluent of tritium monitoring and management.

Intelligent Component Monitoring for Nuclear Power Plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsoukalas, Lefteri

2010-01-01

Reliability and economy are two major concerns for a nuclear power generation system. Next generation nuclear power reactors are being developed to be more reliable and economic. An effective and efficient surveillance system can generously contribute toward this goal. Recent progress in computer systems and computational tools has made it necessary and possible to upgrade current surveillance/monitoring strategy for better performance. For example, intelligent computing techniques can be applied to develop algorithm that help people better understand the information collected from sensors and thus reduce human error to a new low level. Incidents incurred from human error in nuclear industry are not rare and have been proven costly. The goal of this project is to develop and test an intelligent prognostics methodology for predicting aging effects impacting long-term performance of nuclear components and systems. The approach is particularly suitable for predicting the performance of nuclear reactor systems which have low failure probabilities (e.g., less than 10 -6 year -1 ). Such components and systems are often perceived as peripheral to the reactor and are left somewhat unattended. That is, even when inspected, if they are not perceived to be causing some immediate problem, they may not be paid due attention. Attention to such systems normally involves long term monitoring and possibly reasoning with multiple features and evidence, requirements that are not best suited for humans.

Structural Health Monitoring of Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Lingyu

2018-04-10

Interim storage of spent nuclear fuel from reactor sites has gained additional importance and urgency for resolving waste-management-related technical issues. To ensure that nuclear power remains clean energy, monitoring has been identified by DOE as a high priority cross-cutting need, necessary to determine and predict the degradation state of the systems, structures, and components (SSCs) important to safety (ITS). Therefore, nondestructive structural condition monitoring becomes a need to be installed on existing or to be integrated into future storage system to quantify the state of health or to guarantee the safe operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) during their extended life span. In this project, the lead university and the collaborating national laboratory teamed to develop a nuclear structural health monitoring (n-SHM) system based on in-situ piezoelectric sensing technologies that can monitor structural degradation and aging for nuclear spent fuel DCSS and similar structures. We also aimed to identify and quantify possible influences of nuclear spent fuel environment (temperature and radiation) to the piezoelectric sensor system and come up with adequate solutions and guidelines therefore. We have therefore developed analytical model for piezoelectric based n-SHM methods, with considerations of temperature and irradiation influence on the model of sensing and algorithms in acoustic emission (AE), guided ultrasonic waves (GUW), and electromechanical impedance spectroscopy (EMIS). On the other side, experimentally the temperature and irradiation influence on the piezoelectric sensors and sensing capabilities were investigated. Both short-term and long-term irradiation investigation with our collaborating national laboratory were performed. Moreover, we developed multi-modal sensing, validated in laboratory setup, and conducted the testing on the We performed multi-modal sensing development, verification and validation tests on very complex structures

Lessons learned from tubes pulled from French steam generators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berge, Ph.; Boursier, J.M.; Dallery, D.; De Keroulas, F.; Rouillon, Y.

1998-01-01

Since 1981, the Chinon Hot Laboratory has completed more than 380 metallurgical examinations of pulled French steam generator tubes. Electricite de France decided to perform such investigations from the very outset of the French nuclear program, in order to contribute to nuclear power plant safety. The main reasons for withdrawing tubes are to evaluate the degradation, to validate non destructive examination (NDE) techniques, to gain a better understanding of cracking phenomena, and to ensure that the criteria on which plugging operations are based remain conservative. Considerable experience has been accumulated in the field of primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC), OD (secondary) side corrosion, leak and burst tests, and various tube plugging techniques. This paper focuses on the PWSCC phenomenon and on the secondary side corrosion process, and in particular, attempts to correlate French data from pulled tubes with the results of fundamental R and D studies. Finally, within the framework of the Nuclear Power Plant Safety and Maintenance Policy, all these results are discussed in terms of optimization of the field inspection of tube bundles and plugging criteria. (author)

Radioactivity in French bottled waters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Loyen, J.; Brassac, A.; Augeray, C.; Fayolle, C.; Gleizes, M. [Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire - IRSN (France)

2014-07-01

As IRSN is considered as a reference laboratory for radioactivity measurements, French health ministry and French nuclear safety authority asked IRSN to carry out a study in order to get a fresh and complete status of radiological water quality of French bottled waters. The study was carried out during 12 months in 2012. A total of 142 bottled waters samples were analyzed (75 spring waters and 67 natural mineral waters). The laboratories of IRSN were in charge of: - systematic measurement of radioactivity following requirements of the French health ministry (Circulaire du 13/06/2007) regarding the monitoring and management of sanitary risk linked to the presence of radionuclides in drinking waters (natural mineral waters excepted). - systematic uranium mass concentration determination; - a few radon-222 gas measurements for waters in glass bottles. This study is a flash assessment of radiological characteristics of French bottled waters, at the analysis date for the sample received. It was done in informative way and was not done for regulatory control purposes.. This study has shown that: - all bottled waters analyzed have a tritium activity concentration lower than the quality reference value of 100 Bq/l of the French regulation; - More than 105 bottled waters analyzed (80% of the springs waters and 70% of natural mineral waters received) have a gross alpha activity concentration lower than the guideline value of 0,1 Bq/l of the French regulation; - All bottled waters analyzed have a residual gross beta activity concentration lower than the guideline value of 1 Bq/l of the French regulation; - All bottled waters analyzed have a uranium mass concentration lower than the provisory guideline value of 30 μg/l of the WHO for drinking waters; - radon-222 was only significantly measured once upon 6 glass bottled waters with a value far below the reference value of 100 Bq/l of the future European Directive on drinking waters. For 32 bottled waters with gross alpha

Environmental Radiological Impact of Nuclear Power. Monitoring and Control Programs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramos, L. M.

2000-01-01

Radioactive contamination of the environment and public exposure to ionizing radiation may result from releases from programmed or accidental operations in regulated activities, or they may be due to preexisting situations such as contamination caused by past accidents, radioactive rain caused by nuclear tests, or increased natural radioactivity resulting from human activities. In many cases, both the emission sources and the environment should be monitored to determine the risk to the population and verify to what extent the limits and conditions established by competent authorities are being observed. Monitoring can be divided into three categories: monitoring of the emission source, of the receiving medium and of members of the public; individual monitoring of the population is extremely rare and would only be considered when estimated doses substantially exceed the annual public dose limit. In practices likely to produce significant radioactive releases, as is the case of nuclear fuel cycle facilities, the limits and conditions for monitoring and controlling them and the requirements for environmental radiological monitoring are established in the licensing process. Programs implemented during normal operation of the facilities form the basis for monitoring in the event of accidents. in addition to environmental radiological monitoring associated with facilities, different countries have monitoring programs outside the facilities zones of influence, in order to ascertain the nationwide radiological fund and determine possible increases in this fund. In Spain, the facilities that generate radioactive waste have effluent storage, treatment and removal systems and radiological monitoring programs based on site and discharge characteristics. The environmental radiological monitoring system is composed of the network implemented by the owners in the nuclear fuel cycle facilities zones of influence, and by nationwide monitoring networks managed by the Consejo de

Nuclear reactor monitoring system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Drummond, C.N.; Bybee, R.T.; Mason, F.L.; Worsham, H.J.

1976-01-01

The invention pertains to an improved monitoring system for the neutron flux in a nuclear reactor. It is proposed to combine neutron flux detectors, a thermoelement, and a background radiation detector in one measuring unit. The spatial arrangement of these elements is fixed with great exactness; they are enclosed by an elastic cover and are brought into position in the reactor with the aid of a bent tube. The arrangement has a low failure rate and is easy to maintain. (HP) [de

Acting against climate change, the French know-how

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2014-10-01

This publication aims at presenting for international purposes the French public and private know-how in the field of struggle against climate change and of decision-making tools. It first recalls the various international commitments (international mobilisation within the IPCC, United Nations, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or UNFCCC, the Kyoto protocol) and proposes an overview of the UE policy. The next part outlines the role of France as host of the COP21, and the French policy and its territorial declinations. It proposes an overview of the French global offer to meet climate challenges: a table indicates actions and actors in the fields of diagnosis, elaboration of action plans, monitoring and assessment, labelling, capacity development. An article presents the 'Monitoring, Reporting and Verification' (MRV) principle and the different arrangements, bodies and actors addressing these assessment issues, with a focus of methods of assessments of greenhouse gas emissions (standards and methods have been developed in France and are evoked). Various tools applicable in different sectors are also indicated, and the exportation of abilities regarding energy-climate diagnosis is outlined. The next part addresses methods, tools and publications addressing the diagnosis of consequences of climate change. The structure, content and approach of Territorial Climate Energy Plans (PCET) is presented and commented. The next parts show how French companies are mobilised to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, give an overview of public and private initiatives for adaptation to climate change, describe how energy-climate approaches are monitored and assessed, comment how French local communities act at an international level through decentralised cooperation, and indicate how French know-how is developed and can be exported in the field of education and training of actors

Outline of nuclear monitor report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1979-01-01

The questionnaire investigation was conducted by the Science and Technology Agency about the atomic energy monitoring. The time of report was from March 4, 1978, to March 25, 1978. The number of answers for this questionnaire was 276, and the percentage of answers is 54%. This questionnaire was sent out to men and women of various occupations and ages. There are three questions in this questionnaire; The first question is ''Do you think the measures of the government are sufficient for nuclear power plant construction[ What is the point to be improved['', the second question is ''In what points do you feel uneasiness about the safety of nuclear power generation[ What do you want to know['', and the third question is ''Have you ever seen the official report on atomic energy published by the Science and Technology Agency[ Do you think this official report on atomic energy is effective or not[ What is the point to be improved[ The abstract of each answer is outlined as the investigated result. The reports on occasions were obtained separately. The number of these reports was 162. The contents of these reports were classified into the official report on atomic energy, the safety of atomic energy, the administration of atomic energy, the developing and utilization, the monitoring system, the Mutsu, the energy saving, the reprocessing, etc., and these contents are outlined. The composition of these monitors is shown. (Nakai, Y.)

Analysis on functions of mobile nuclear emergency monitoring lab

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lai Yongfang; Wang Yonghong; Gao Jing; Sun Jian

2012-01-01

According to the fundamental purpose and mission of nuclear emergency monitoring and based on technological aspects, this paper discusses and analyses the functions and basic requirements on equipment in mobile radiation measurement lab in nuclear emergency response. (authors)

Water level monitoring device in nuclear reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miura, Kiyohide; Otake, Tomohiro.

1988-01-01

Purpose: To monitor the water level in a pressure vessel of BWR type nuclear reactors at high accuracy by improving the compensation functions. Constitution: In the conventional water level monitor in a nuclear reactor, if the pressure vessel is displaced by the change of the pressure in the reactor or the temperature of the reactor water, the relative level of the reference water head in a condensation vessel is changed to cause deviation between the actual water level and the indicated water level to reduce the monitoring accuracy. According to the invention, means for detecting the position of the reference water head and means for detection the position in the condensation vessel are disposed to the pressure vessel. Then, relative positional change between the condensation vessel and the reference water head is calculated based on detection sinals from both of the means. The water level is compensated and calculated by water level calculation means based on the relative positional change, water level signals from the level gage and the pressure signals from the pressure gage. As a result, if the pressure vessel is displaced due to the change of the temperature or pressure, it is possible to measure the reactor water level accurately thereby remakably improve the reliability for the water level control in the nuclear reactor. (Horiuchi, T.)

National and international nuclear material monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Waddoups, I.G.

1996-01-01

The status of nuclear materials in both the U.S. and Former Soviet Union is changing based upon the execution of agreements relative to weapons materials production and weapon dismantlement. The result of these activities is that a considerably different emphasis is being placed on how nuclear materials are viewed and utilized. Even though much effort is being expended on the final disposition of these materials, the interim need for storage and security of the material is increasing. Both safety and security requirements exist to govern activities when these materials are placed in storage. These requirements are intended to provide confidence that the material is not being misused and that the storage operations are conducted safely. Both of these goals can be significantly enhanced if technological monitoring of the material is performed. This paper will briefly discuss the traditional manual methods of U.S. and international material monitoring and then present approaches and technology that are available to achieve the same goals under the evolving environment

Trends in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research & Development - A Physics Perspective

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maceira, Monica [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Blom, Philip Stephen [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Maccarthy, Jonathan K. [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Marcillo, Omar Eduardo [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Euler, Garrett Gene [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Begnaud, Michael Lee [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Ford, Sean R. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Pasyanos, Michael E. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Orris, Gregory J. [Naval Research Laboratory; Foxe, Michael P. [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Arrowsmith, Stephen J. [Sandia National Laboratory; Merchant, B. John [Sandia National Laboratory; Slinkard, Megan E. [Sandia National Laboratory

2017-06-01

This document entitled “Trends in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research and Development – A Physics Perspective” reviews the accessible literature, as it relates to nuclear explosion monitoring and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT, 1996), for four research areas: source physics (understanding signal generation), signal propagation (accounting for changes through physical media), sensors (recording the signals), and signal analysis (processing the signal). Over 40 trends are addressed, such as moving from 1D to 3D earth models, from pick-based seismic event processing to full waveform processing, and from separate treatment of mechanical waves in different media to combined analyses. Highlighted in the document for each trend are the value and benefit to the monitoring mission, key papers that advanced the science, and promising research and development for the future.

Reliability-based approaches for safety margin assessment in the French nuclear industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ardillon, E.; Barthelet, B.; Meister, E.; Cambefort, P.; Hornet, P.; Le Delliou, P.

2003-01-01

The prevention of the fast fracture damage of the mechanical equipment important for the safety of nuclear islands of the French PWR relies on deterministic rules. These rules include flaw acceptance criteria involving safety factors applied to characteristic values (implicit margins) of the physical variables. The sets of safety factors that are currently under application in the industrial analyses with the agreement of the Safety Authority, are distributed across the two main physical parameters and have partly been based on a semi-probabilistic approach. After presenting the generic probabilistic pro-codification approach this paper shows its application to the evaluation of the performances of the existing regulatory flaw acceptance criteria. This application can be carried out in a realistic manner or in a more simplified one. These two approaches are applied to representative mechanical components. Their results are consistent. (author)

Severe Accidents: French Regulatory Practice for Nuclear Power Plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Colin, M.

1997-01-01

In the framework of a continuous and iterative process, the French Safety Authority asks the utility EDF to implement equipment and procedure modifications on the operating reactors, in order to cope with the most likely Severe Accident sequences. As a result of Probabilistic Safety Assessments published in 1990, important equipment and procedure modifications are being implemented on the French PWRs to improve the safety in shutdown states. The implementation of another set of modifications against some reactivity accident sequences is also in progress. More recently, the Safety Authority expressed specific Severe Accident requirements in terms of instrumentation, equipment qualification, high pressure core melt accidents and hydrogen risk prevention. In that respect, EDF was asked to implement hydrogen recombiners on its reactors. On the other hand, the French Safety authority is involved with its German counterpart in the assessment process of the European Pressurized Water Reactor Project. In consistency with the common recommendations of the Safety Authorities involved, Severe Accident provisions for this reactor are being taken into account at the design stage

The nuclear power generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serres, R.

1999-01-01

The French nuclear generating industry is highly competitive. The installations have an average age of fifteen years and are half way through their expected life. Nuclear power accounts for 70% of the profits of the French generating company, EDF. Nuclear generation has a minimal effect on the atmosphere and France has a level of CO 2 emissions, thought to be the main cause of the greenhouse effect, half that of Europe as a whole. The air in France is purer than in neighbouring countries, mainly because 75% of all electrical power is generated in nuclear plants and 15% in hydroelectric stations. The operations and maintenance of French nuclear power plants in the service and distribution companies out of a total of 100 000 employees in all, 90 % of whom are based in mainland France. (authors)

French electricity results 2002

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-01-01

RTE, the manager of the French power system, announces a high increase in electricity exports to the other countries of the European Union in 2002. In France, the year 2002 was marked by stable power consumption, but a noteworthy increase in generation due to the rise of exports. In 2002, the RTE network conveyed 512.3 billion kWh (TWh) versus 503.1 billion kWh (TWh) in 2001, an increase of 1.8%. Overall French exports made considerable strides forward from 72.9 TWh in 2001 to 80.6 TWh in 2002, i.e. 10.6% more than in 2001. On the other hand, overall French imports fell substantially, from 4.4 TWh in 2001 to 3.8 TWh in 2002, or a drop of about 14%. In all, the export balance came to 76.8 TWh in 2002, versus 68.5 TWh in 2001, i.e. a rise of 12%. On Sunday, 22 December 2002, the historical record of the capacity export balance with a value of 13,277 MW, up 2.2%, was bettered. The particularly mild weather conditions in 2002 led to a drop in heating-related consumption, evaluated at 7 billion kWh compared with the prior year. A slight upturn in industrial consumption was to be noted, from 92.7 TWh in 2001 to 93.2 TWh in 2002, i.e. a growth of 0.5%. Total French consumption thus rose in 2002 to 448.7 TWh. Total consumption, adjusted for climate contingencies, showed a rise of 1.6% in 2002. French power producers showed an increase of nearly 2% and the first wind farm was connected to the power transmission network. French electricity output came to 532.9 TWh in 2002, a growth of 1.9%. This increase is divided up between nuclear generation, up 4%, and conventional thermal generation, on the rise by 15.3%. The substantial share of thermal generation can be explained by a correlative drop in hydro generation (less 16.6% compared with 2001) mainly due to extremely low water availability observed during the first months of the year. With 415.5 TWh in output, nuclear power plants provided 78% of French generation, fossil-fired power plants 9.9% with an output of 52.9 TWh

Public perceptions of the iodine tablets distribution around French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Charron, S.; Morin, D.; Brenot, J.

2000-01-01

In April 1996 the French ministry of health took the decision to distribute iodine tablets to the population surrounding all nuclear power plants in France. In case of a severe accident the absorption of stable iodine would prevent irradiation of the thyroid by radioactive iodine released by the plant. This preventive distribution was initiated at the end of 1996 around 4 pilot sites, and then spread to all sited in 1997. During this period, the large public sample surveys conducted by IPSN for its barometer contained questions on counter-measures in case of a nuclear accident and more specifically on the distribution of iodine tablets. The aim of this polls was to find out if the general public had known about this decision and to get some feedback on its reactions. The work presented in this paper is the detailed analysis of the two sets of data obtained by the answers to the polls. Some numerical treatments and tests were performed to compare the data, evaluate their consistency and analyse the relation between the distance to a nuclear site and the perception of the public. The main conclusions are that people living close to nuclear sites knew more about the on-going action of the ministry of health, and appreciated it more than the general population but in the same time, many people (70% of interviewed people) are quite reluctant to have tablets in their home; and 65% of the population directly concerned with the distribution did not know where to get their tablets. It is now intended to follow the potential evolution of this results in year 2000 when public authorities have to organise a new distribution of iodine tablets. (author)

Hydrosphere monitoring at nuclear power plant sites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Belousova, A.P.; Zakharova, T.V.; Shvets, V.M.

1993-01-01

The paper deals with problems related to protection of the environment in areas occupied by nuclear power plants (NPP). NPP construction and operation result in destruction of ecological, geochemical and geological equilibria in and around NPP sites. This process requires monitoring. Recommendations of the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAAE) suggest monitoring to commence 2-3 years prior to the start of NPP construction. The paper describes the extent of hydrosphere monitoring and guidelines along which monitoring is to be organized. The authors recommend a certain approach toward the planning observation networks and provide description of forecasting subsystem that consist of a data bank, a continuously operating model (COM) and a forecast unit

Environment monitoring and residents health condition monitoring of nuclear power plant Bohunice region

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Letkovicova, M.; Rehak, R.; Stehlikova, B.; Celko, M.; Hraska, S.; Klocok, L.; Kostial, J.; Prikazsky, V.; Vidovic, J.; Zirko, M.; Beno, T.; Mitosinka, J.

1998-01-01

The report contents final environment evaluation and selected characteristic of residents health physics of nuclear power plant Bohunice region. Evaluated data were elaborated during analytical period 1993-1997.Task solving which results are documented in this final report was going on between 1996- 1998. The report deals in individual stages with the following: Information obtaining and completing which characterize demographic situation of the area for the 1993-1997 period; Datum obtaining and completing which contain selected health physics characteristics of the area residents; Database structures for individual data archiving from monitoring and collection; Brief description of geographic information system for graphic presentation of evaluation results based on topographic base; Digital mapping structure description; Results and evaluation of radionuclide monitoring in environment performed by Environmental radiation measurements laboratory by the nuclear power plant Bohunice for the 1993-1997 period. Demographic situation evaluation and selected health physics characteristics of the area of nuclear power plant residents for the 1993-1997 period are summarized in the final part of the document. Monitoring results and their evaluation is processed in graph, table, text description and map output forms. Map outputs are processed in the geographic information system Arc View GIS 3.0a environment

Reports by the Parliamentary Office for scientific and technological assessments. Tuesday, May 31, 2011. Hearing opened to the press on the organization of nuclear safety; Comptes rendus de l' Office Parlementaire d'Evaluation des Choix Scientifiques et Technologiques. Mardi 31 mai 2011. Audition, ouverte a la presse, sur l'organisation de la securite nucleaire

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2011-05-15

Members of the French Parliament, and representatives of the French nuclear safety authority (ASN), of the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG), of the IAEA, of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), of the French institute for radiation protection and nuclear safety (IRSN) first address the international dimension of nuclear safety control. They describe, comment and discuss the situation of the Fukushima nuclear plant, the impact of this accident on France (cooperation with Japan, atmospheric measurement in France), the different national approaches to nuclear safety, the specifications for the audit of the French nuclear power plants and the security assessments foreseen for the European nuclear stock, the issue of international standard elaboration, the activity of the WANO in the field of international cooperation. In a second part, members of Parliament and representatives of the ASN, the IRSN, EDF, and AREVA and of the French committee of certification of companies for the training and monitoring of personnel working under ionizing radiation (CEFRI) describe, comment and discuss the nuclear safety modalities in France

Expert system for the automatic analysis of the Eddy current signals from the monitoring of vapor generators of a PWR, type reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lefevre, F.; Baumaire, A.; Comby, R.; Benas, J.C.

1990-01-01

The automatization of the monitoring of the steam generator tubes required some developments in the field of data processing. The monitoring is performed by means of Eddy current tests. Improvements in signal processing and in pattern recognition associated to the artificial intelligence techniques induced EDF (French Electricity Company) to develop an automatic signal processing system. The system, named EXTRACSION (French acronym for Expert System for the Processing and classification of Signals of Nuclear Nature), insures the coherence between the different fields of knowledge (metallurgy, measurement, signals) during data processing by applying an object oriented representation [fr

Monitoring-control of the 900 MWe and 1300 MWe nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meyer, J.

1982-01-01

After a short definition of the monitoring-control of the 900 MWe and 1300 MWe nuclear reactors, and a recall of requirements of nuclear energy, this paper presents the following points concerning the whole system of monitoring-control: the organization, the systems (instrumentation, automation), the technologies, the imperfections and the improvements brought to the system [fr

French experience in design, operation and revamping of nuclear research reactors, in support of advanced reactors development

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barre, B.; Bergeonneau, P.; Merchie, F.; Minguet, J.L.; Rousselle, P.

1996-01-01

The French nuclear program is strongly based on the R and D work performed in the CEA nuclear research centers and particularly on the various experimental programs carried out in its research reactors in the frame of cooperative actions between the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Framatome and Electricite de France (EDF). Several types of research reactors have been built by Technicatome and CEA to carry out successfully this considerable R and D work on fuels and materials, among them the socalled Materials Testing Reactors (MTR) SILOE (35 MW) and OSIRIS (70 MW) which are indeed very well suited for technological irradiations. Their simple and flexible design and the large irradiation space available around the core, the SILOE and OSIRIS reactors can be shared by several types of applications such as fuel and material testings for nuclear power plants, radioisotopes production, silicon doping and fundamental research. It is worthwhile recalling that Technicatome and CEA have also built research reactors fully dedicated to safety experimental studies, such as the CABRI, SCARABEE and PHEBUS reactors at Cadarache, and others dedicated to fundamental research such as ORPHEE (14 MW) and the Reacteur a Haut Flux -High Flux Reactor- (RHF 57 MW). This paper will present some of the most significant conceptual and design features of all these reactors as well as the main improvements brought to most of them in the last years. Based on this wide experience, CEA and Technicatome have specially designed for export a new multipurpose research reactor named SIRIUS, with two versions depending on the utilization spectrum and the power range (5 MW to 30 MW). At last, CEA has recently launched the preliminary project study of a new MTR, the Jules Horowitz Reactor, to meet the future needs of fuels and materials irradiations in the next 4 or 5 decades, in support of the French long term nuclear power program. (J.P.N.)

Atmospheric methods for nuclear test monitoring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Simons, D.J. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM (United States)

1994-12-31

This report describes two atmomospheric methods for the monitoring and detection of underground nuclear explosions: Near infrasound technique, and ionospheric monitoring. Ground motion from underground explosions cause induced air pressure perturbations. The ionospheric technique utilizes the very strong air pressure pulse which is launched straight up above an underground explosion. When the pressure disturbance reaches the ionosphere, it becomes a 10 % pressure perturbation. Detection involves sending radio waves through the ionosphere with transmitters and recievers on the ground. Radar analysis yields interpretable signals. The near infrasound method detects the signal which is projected into the side lobes of the main signal. Both of the atmospheric methods were utilized on the monitoring of the NPE underground chemical explosion experiment. Results are described.

The significance of the human factor in the safety of nuclear reactors: the French experience and the lessons of Three Mile Island

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Houze, C.; Oury, J.M.

1982-05-01

The importance of the human factor to French nuclear safety policy and the application of human fallibility as a parameter of safety analysis are described. The impact of reactor operating experience on future theoretical and practical application considerations is discussed. Particular reference is given to the lessons of Three Mile Island

Nuclear energy for the 21. century

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2005-03-01

This document gathers 5 introductory papers to this conference about nuclear energy for the 21. century: the French energy policy during the last 30 years (situation of France with respect to the energy supply and demand, main trends of the French energy policy, future of the French nuclear policy); presentation of IAEA (technology transfer, nuclear safety, non-proliferation policy, structure and financial resources, council of governors, general conference, secretariat); nuclear power and sustainable development; promoting safety at nuclear facilities (promoting safety, basics of safety, safety at the design stage, risk management, regulatory control and efficiency of the regulation organization, role of IAEA); nuclear energy today (contribution to sustainable development, safety, best solution for the management of radioactive wastes, future of nuclear energy). (J.S.)

Physicochemical properties and long-term behavior of french R7T7 nuclear waste glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vernaz, E.

1990-01-01

The French R7T7 nuclear glass composition was carefully selected to allow incorporation of some thirty different oxides found in fission product solutions. The resulting glass exhibits very low crystallization, and its physical and chemical properties are very similar to those of standard industrial glasses. Nuclear glasses have been shown to withstand α doses corresponding to several hundred thousand years under repository conditions. Predicting the long-term behavior of fission product glasses subjected to aqueous corrosion is no doubt the most difficult aspect of the problem. Predictions are necessarily based on mathematical models. A substantial research effort has been undertaken to identify all the basic corrosion mechanisms liable to control long-term alteration. These mechanisms are now relatively well understood, and provide the basis for developing the indispensable models. Realistic storage conditions exist under which glass alteration occurs at a very slow rate, and can fulfill its role as the first containment barrier for several tens of thousands of years

Monitoring of nuclear power stations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ull, E.; Labudda, H.J.

1987-01-01

The purpose of the invention is to create a process for undelayed automated detection and monitoring of accidents in the operation of nuclear power stations. According to the invention, this problem is solved by the relevant local measurements, such as radiation dose, components and type of radiation and additional relevant meteorological parameters being collected by means of wellknown data collection platforms, these being transmitted via transmission channels by means of satellites to suitable worldwide situated receiving stations on the ground, being processed there and being evaluated to recognise accidents. The local data collection platforms are used in the immediate vicinity of the nuclear power station. The use of aircraft, ships and balloons as data collection systems is also intended. (HWJ)

Emergency protection and nuclear power station remote monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nowak, K.; Wolf, H.

1986-01-01

The States of the Federal Republic of Germany are planning emergency protection measures for the environment of nuclear power stations based on their statutory duty of care. In this connection the paper explains to what extent remote monitoring of nuclear power stations practised by the Federal Supervisory Authorities may support the design and implementation of emergency protection measures. (orig.) [de

Mobile Monitoring System for Nuclear Contamination Analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Broide, A.; Sheinfeld, M.; Marcus, E.; Wengrowicz, U.; Tirosh, D.

2002-01-01

In case of a nuclear accident, it is essential to have extensive knowledge concerning the nature of the radioactive plume expansion, for further analysis. For this purpose a mobile monitoring system may provide important data about the plume characteristics. An advanced Mobile Monitoring System is under development at the Nuclear Research Center-Negev. The system is composed of a network of mobile stations, typically installed onboard vehicles, which transmit radiation measurements along with position information to a central station. The mobile network's communications infrastructure is based on Motorola Mobile Logic Unit devices, which are state-of-the-art reliable modems with an integrated Global Positioning System module. The radiation measurements received by the central station are transferred to a risk assessment program, which evaluates the expected hazards to the populated areas located in the estimated plume's expansion direction

The wireless sensor network monitoring system for regional environmental nuclear radiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Chong; Liu Dao; Wang Yaojun; Xie Yuxi; Song Lingling

2012-01-01

The wireless sensor network (WSN) technology has been utilized to design a new regional environmental radiation monitoring system based on the wireless sensor networks to meet the special requirements of monitoring the nuclear radiation in certain regions, and realize the wireless transmission of measurement data, information processing and integrated measurement of the nuclear radiation and the corresponding environmental parameters in real time. The system can be applied to the wireless monitoring of nuclear radiation dose in the nuclear radiation environment. The measured data and the distribution of radiation dose can be vividly displayed on the graphical interface in the host computer. The system has functioned with the wireless transmission and control, the data storage, the historical data inquiry, the node remote control. The experimental results show that the system has the advantages of low power consumption, stable performance, network flexibility, range of measurement and so on. (authors)

Radiological assessment of the French environment in 2008. Synthesis of the IRSN's surveillance networks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chaptal-Gradoz, N.; Chevreuil, M.; D'amico, D.; Debayle, Ch.; Leprieur, F.; Manificat, G.; Peres, J.M.; Pierrard, O.; Tournieux, D.; Veran-Viguie, M.P.; Renaud, Ph.; Roussel-Debet, S.; Masson, O.; Pourcelot, L.; Fayolle, C.; Loyen, J.; Robe, M.Ch.; Picolo, J.L.; Gallerand, M.O.

2009-01-01

While providing many maps, graphs and tables, this report presents and comments the very large amount of data acquired in 2008 within the frame of the control by the IRSN of radioactivity levels on the French national territory by means of its different surveillance networks. After a presentation of these networks (objectives, organization, sample collection, analysis, and preparation methodologies) and of the different radionuclides present in the French environment, results are presented by installation type (electricity production nuclear centres, nuclear fuel reprocessing centres, nuclear medicine centres, nuclear waste storage centres, research centres, nuclear naval bases, etc.) and environment component (air, water ways, rain waters, continental or coastal environment, biological media, etc.)

Regional survey of radionuclides in the marine environment of the French Mediterranean coast

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thebault, Herve; Arnaud, Mireille; Duffa, Celine; Charmasson, Sabine; Dimeglio, Yves [Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire/PRP-ENV/SESURE/LERCM/ARM c/o Ifremer, CS 20330 Zone Portuaire de Bregaillon, 83507 La Seyne sur Mer Cedex (France)

2014-07-01

The French Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) runs a continuous monitoring program of the marine environment as a mandatory task. For the French Mediterranean coast, this monitoring activity focuses on two bio-indicators species: the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and the red mullet (Mullus sp.) sampled on a regular basis from natural populations at ten locations along the coast. Radionuclides are measured using direct low-level gamma spectrometry as a routine technique. In addition to this long-lasting monitoring, a broad survey of radionuclide baseline levels is conducted on all compartments of the coastal zone: water, sediments and a large selection of fish species among those most currently fished and marketed. This extended data collection is necessary to fulfill the information requirements of the UE Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and its implementation by member states. This information is also essential for impact assessment of any incident or accident, included from a remote source. Levels of less commonly measured radionuclides like {sup 3}H, {sup 14}C, {sup 90}Sr, {sup 210}Po and U, Pu isotopes are investigated. Fish sampling relies mostly on scientific stock assessment campaigns. Mussel sampling is complemented by transplanted mussels on 40 specific sites. This regional survey also focuses on two possibly impacted areas: the Rhone river mouth coastal zone, with inputs from nuclear power plants along the river and the Bay of Toulon sheltering Navy harbor of nuclear-powered sub-marines and aircraft-carrier. First results show that the activity levels of artificial radionuclides are very low for most bio-indicator species, in accordance with previous monitoring trends. {sup 137}Cs is the only artificial radionuclide regularly detected by gamma spectrometry in mussel and fish samples at a level below 1 Bg.kg{sup -1} of dry weight. Values of {sup 3}H (organically bound Tritium) in the same samples lies under

Continuous improvement of operation and maintenance conditions of french PWR nuclear islands

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bitsch, D.

1985-05-01

Improvement of the nuclear island design, to facilitate maintenance and working conditions during plant shutdown, has been a subject of particular attention within the French PWR program. Standardization and industrial concentration created an unusually favourable context for approaching this objective. Progress efforts supported by the feedback of actual operating experience were pursued in the areas of plant layout-equipment installation, and on the design and technology of the component themselves. The progress efforts on the design and technology of the components were pursued along several paths including: - the resistance increase of specific parts submitted to various forms of in-service damage, - the reduction of the extent and duration of work during plant outages and - the reduction of the Occupational Radiation Exposure (ORE), one of the most important axes of development, through the appropriate selection of less releasing materials, the implementation of more efficient decontamination systems and by the use of robots

The CEFRI and radiological protection certification of French companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marillier, J.C.

1992-01-01

In 1990, French nuclear operators and the nuclear industry set up a system for certifying the companies involved in industrial work with exposure to ionizing radiation and the concerned training organizations. Inspectors have been recruited and trained. The first certificates were issued during the past few months. The extension of this certification to cover all work on nuclear sites is being envisaged. (author)

Impact of French advertising campaign

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chaussade, Jean-Pierre; Ansel, Philippe

1993-01-01

'Today, some 75 % of France's electricity is generated by nuclear plants'. This was the theme of the advertising campaign launched for the second time in May 1992 by Electricite de France in national daily newspapers and magazines, in regional publications, on cinema and on TV. Compared to 1991 the second campaign was a new step in communication: first, was the wish to inform better the public. A Minitel program '3614 EDF' was created and connected by general public including a lot of information about nuclear energy and the way to visit a nuclear plant; secondly, was the use of TV media to target a larger population. The TV spot, 'the nuclear drill', uses humor to get more impact on the public. The campaign received an encouraging reception from the press, which admired its boldness and originality. As far as the general public is concerned, the campaign achieved its goals, as illustrated by the results of post-campaign surveys carried out to measure its effect. The segment of population targeted by campaign was mainly the so called 'pragmatics'. 'Pragmatics', who account for 25 % of the French population, are young, have a good education and are well informed. This category was selected as it shows a subtle attitude towards nuclear power, with more doubts than certainties. Moreover, this segment of the population has proven to be open to information issued by EDF and also plays a key role in influencing social trends. 63% of the segment targeted by the campaign (pragmatics) and 56% of the whole french population saw the ads

Les liaisons dangereuses: resource surveillance, uranium diplomacy and secret French-American collaboration in 1950s Morocco.

Science.gov (United States)

Adamson, Matthew

2016-03-01

This study explores the origins and consequences of a unique, secret, French-American collaboration to prospect for uranium in 1950s Morocco. This collaboration permitted mediation between the United States and France. The appearance of France in an American-supported project for raw nuclear materials signalled American willingness to accept a new nuclear global order in which the French assumed a new, higher position as regional nuclear ally as opposed to suspicious rival. This collaboration also permitted France and the United States to agree tacitly to the same geopolitical status for the French Moroccan Protectorate, a status under dispute both in Morocco and outside it. The secret scientific effort reassured the French that, whatever the Americans might say publicly, they stood behind the maintenance of French hegemony in the centuries-old kingdom. But Moroccan independence proved impossible to deny. With its foreseeable arrival, the collaboration went from seductive to dangerous, and the priority of American and French geologists shifted from finding a major uranium lode to making sure that nothing was readily available to whatever post-independence interests might prove most powerful. Ultimately, the Kingdom of Morocco took a page out of the French book, using uranium exploration to assert sovereignty over a different disputed territory, its de facto colony of the Western Sahara.

Diagnostic and monitoring systems in nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wehling, H.J.; Jax, P.; Streicher, V.

1987-01-01

Monitoring systems are important for the availability of nuclear power plants. A survey is given about such systems designed and constructed by the Kraftwerk Union AG Erlangen (Federal Republic of Germany) in order to assure the mechanical integrity of reactor cooling systems. Three monitoring systems based on microprocessors are presented: KUES (acoustic detection of loose parts), SUES (vibration), and FAMOS (fatigue)

Remote intelligent nuclear facility monitoring in LabVIEW

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kucewicz, J.C.; Argo, P.E.; Caffrey, M.; Loveland, R.C.; McNeil, P.J.

1996-01-01

A prototype system implemented in LabVIEW for the intelligent monitoring of the movement of radioactive' material within a nuclear facility is presented. The system collects and analyzes radiation sensor and video data to identify suspicious movement of material within the facility. The facility system also transmits wavelet- compressed data to a remote system for concurrent monitoring. 2 refs., 2 figs

Nuclear safety research in France

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanguy, P.

1976-01-01

As a consequence of the decision of choosing light water reactors (PWR) for the French nuclear plants of the next ten years, a large safety program has been launched referring to three physical barriers against fission product release: the fuel element cladding, main primary system boundary and the containment. The parallel development of French-designed fast breeder reactors involved safety studies on: sodium boiling, accidental fuel behavior, molten fuel-sodium interaction, core accident and protection, and external containment. The rapid development of nuclear energy resulted in a corresponding development of safety studies relating to nuclear fuel facilities. French regulations also required a special program to be developed for the realistic evaluation of the consequences of external agressions, the French cooperation to multinational safety research being also intensive

Contamination monitor as a nuclear stethoscope for community nuclear medicine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rehani, M.M.; Sharma, S.K.; Sharma, R.R.

1979-01-01

A portable contamination monitor has been modified for use as an in vivo counting probe. The evaluation by physical parameters and clinical studies shows its suitability for a variety of diagnostic studies. The correlation equations for thyroid uptake measurement have been worked out for whole range of values. Its use as a versatile nuclear stethoscope is envisaged. (author)

A century of nuclear energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hug, M.

2009-01-01

The author proposes a history of the French nuclear industry and nuclear energy since the Nobel prizes of 1903 and 1911. He describes and comments the context of the energy production sector before the development of the nuclear energy, the development of the institutional context, the successive and different nuclear technologies, the main characteristics of the French program at its beginning, the relationship between the nuclear energy and the public, the main accidents and lessons learned from them, the perspectives of evolution of nuclear energy

The performing interaction between institutions and technology in the French electronuclear industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Finon, D.; Staropoli, C.

2000-10-01

Among the various traditional ''grands programmes'' typical of the French public intervention in high-tech industries, the nuclear programme is often considered as one of the major successes. However in recent years, the French national nuclear system, as composed of the whole set of institutions and relations between organisations in this sector, is affected by different exogenous shocks. In disorder those shocks are the European power markets liberalization legislation, the persistence of the world-wide nuclear market depression, the competition of a new power generation technology (gas turbine), and the globalization and concentration of the world-wide electromechanical industry. So, in the power industry of many OECD countries, the social acceptance crisis of nuclear technology as well as the emergence of the much less capital-intensive gas turbine relax the co-determination and open up the institutional choice. Conversely, in France, the performances of the nuclear program help to maintain the nuclear option, thus justifying the preservation of the existing industrial organisation and institutional scheme. In order to characterise the joint institutional and technological dynamics of the French electricity supply industry two stages are distinguished and discussed: first the efficient adaptation of institutions and industrial relationships to the nuclear as a new technology, and second the influence of technological features on the industry structures changes. (A.L.B.)

The performing interaction between institutions and technology in the French electronuclear industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Finon, D.; Staropoli, C

2000-10-01

Among the various traditional ''grands programmes'' typical of the French public intervention in high-tech industries, the nuclear programme is often considered as one of the major successes. However in recent years, the French national nuclear system, as composed of the whole set of institutions and relations between organisations in this sector, is affected by different exogenous shocks. In disorder those shocks are the European power markets liberalization legislation, the persistence of the world-wide nuclear market depression, the competition of a new power generation technology (gas turbine), and the globalization and concentration of the world-wide electromechanical industry. So, in the power industry of many OECD countries, the social acceptance crisis of nuclear technology as well as the emergence of the much less capital-intensive gas turbine relax the co-determination and open up the institutional choice. Conversely, in France, the performances of the nuclear program help to maintain the nuclear option, thus justifying the preservation of the existing industrial organisation and institutional scheme. In order to characterise the joint institutional and technological dynamics of the French electricity supply industry two stages are distinguished and discussed: first the efficient adaptation of institutions and industrial relationships to the nuclear as a new technology, and second the influence of technological features on the industry structures changes. (A.L.B.)

Technical diagnostics - equipment monitoring for increasing safety and availability of nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sturm, A.; Foerster, R.

1977-01-01

Utilization of technical diagnostics in equipment monitoring of nuclear power plants for ensuring nuclear safety, economic availability, and for decision making on necessary maintenance is reviewed. Technical diagnostics is subdivided into inspection and early detection of malfunctions. Moreover, combination of technical diagnostics and equipment monitoring, integration of technical diagnostics into maintenance strategy, and problems of introducing early detection of malfunctions into maintenance management of nuclear power plants are also discussed. In addition, a compilation of measuring techniques used in technical diagnostics has been made. The international state of the art of equipment monitoring in PWR nuclear power plants is illustrated by description of the sound and vibration measuring techniques. (author)

Historical seismicity in France. Its role in the assessment of seismic risk on French nuclear sites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Levret, A.

1987-11-01

Since 1975 in order to be in conformity with the requirements of the French nuclear program, a review of historical seismicity was undertaken in France. The assessment of seismic hazard for the safety of nuclear plants is in fact based upon a seismotectonic approach which needs to take into account the seismic activity over as long a period of time as possible. The method adopted for reviewing historical earthquakes entails a systematic consultation of the original sources and a critical analysis there of in the light of the historical, geographical and political contexts of the time. The same standards apply where the acquisition of new elements of information is involved. Each item of information is assigned a degree of reliability, then compiled in a computer file, up-dated annually; this file currently contains more than 4.500 events covering a period of time of about a millenary

Additional safety assessments, follow-up of stress tests of the French nuclear power stations. Action plan of the nuclear safety authority

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2012-01-01

This document presents the French national action plan defined by the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in compliance with the recommendations made by the ENSREG (European nuclear safety regulators group). It refers to decisions taken at the national level after the Fukushima accident, recommendations after European stress tests, and recommendations after the extraordinary meeting of contracting parties at the Convention on Nuclear Safety of August 2012. For different topics, this document recalls the recommendations made by the peer review, indicates the ASN's opinion and progress or ASN's requirements for different power stations. The first part addresses the recommendations made by peers and based on the European review. Topics concern natural hazards (effects, detection, inspections and controls related to earthquakes, margin assessment with respect to flooding and natural hazards), the loss of safety systems (cooling systems, electricity supplies, actions, instruments, training, and so on), the management of a severe accident (reference levels, measures, guides, exercises, training, management of contaminated water, radiation protection, premises). The second part deals with topics addressed within the frame of the Convention: national organisations, organisations in an emergency and post-accidental situation, international cooperation. A third part addresses the follow-up of additional measures issued by the ASN

Power distribution monitor for nuclear reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishizawa, Yasuo; Kiguchi, Takashi.

1974-01-01

Object: To compare the measured local power region monitor (LPRM) index with the result of a primary calculation to correct the threshold condition for the primary calculation thereby to rapidly grasp and monitor the existing power distribution. Structure: The index of an LPRM disposed in a nuclear reactor is processed in a data processor to remove therefrom a noise, and transmitted to a threshold condition processor to be stored therein. The LPRM index measured by the threshold condition processor is compared with the calculated LPRM value transmitted from the primary processor, whereby the threshold condition is corrected and transmitted to the primary processor. After the completion of calculation, the traversing incore probe (TIP) indexing value is converted to a thermal output distribution or a linear output density distribution and transmitted to an output indicator or an output typewriter. The operator may monitor the existing power distribution by monitoring the output indicator. (Kamimura, M.)

On-line Monitoring and Calibration Techniques in Nuclear Power Plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hashemian, H.M.

2011-01-01

Years of research, testing and experience in the field of sensor diagnostics have yielded many technologies which offer financial as well as operational benefits to the nuclear industry. Among these technologies are On-Line Monitoring (OLM) and On-Line Calibration of critical process monitoring sensors such as resistance temperature detectors (RTD), thermocouples, and pressure transmitters to name a few. The remote access and verification of these sensors have been shown to limit the exposure of maintenance personnel to harsh environments while at the same time effectively and efficiently diagnosing the health and performance of these sensors. In addition to sensors, technologies exist in determining not only the health of instrumentation and control (I and C) cabling that carries the signals from these sensors, but also these same cable testing techniques can be used in the remote evaluation of many end devices used in safety related operations as well. Given these advances in sensor system monitoring techniques it would seem to follow that nuclear utilities from around the world would be applying these tried and true techniques to optimize up time and to provide additional confidence in the output of processing sensors. However, although several of the world's regulatory bodies have approved of the concept of these techniques, few utilities have undertaken to fully embrace on-line monitoring and on-line calibration of nuclear process sensors. In the United States efforts are now underway, with representatives of the U.S. nuclear industry and nuclear power plant vendors to obtain generic NRC licensing for the use of OLM in nuclear power plants. If approved, generic licensing will help pave the way toward greater implementation of OLM and its related calibration techniques. (author)

Nuclear instrumentation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Weill, Jacky; Fabre, Rene.

1981-01-01

This article sums up the Research and Development effort at present being carried out in the five following fields of applications: Health physics and Radioprospection, Control of nuclear reactors, Plant control (preparation and reprocessing of the fuel, testing of nuclear substances, etc.), Research laboratory instrumentation, Detectors. It also sets the place of French industrial activities by means of an estimate of the French market, production and flow of trading with other countries [fr

Progressive decommissioning of French nuclear power plants: economic and geopolitical impacts; Declassement progressif du parc nucleaire francais: impacts economiques et geopolitiques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Noel, P

1998-09-01

The author analyzes the french energy safety in the next twenty years. The first part is devoted to the electric production park structure in 2020, with a presentation of the electric power economy, the carbon cost introduction and the economic choices in the deregulation system. The second part discusses the economical and geopolitical impacts of a gas-nuclear substitution. (A.L.B.)

Export Control Guide: Loose Parts Monitoring Systems for Nuclear Power Plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Langenberg, Donald W. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2012-12-01

This report describes a typical LPMS, emphasizing its application to the RCS of a modern NPP. The report also examines the versatility of AE monitoring technology by describing several nuclear applications other than loose parts monitoring, as well as some non-nuclear applications. In addition, LPMS implementation requirements are outlined, and LPMS suppliers are identified. Finally, U.S. export controls applicable to LPMSs are discussed.

Index of French nuclear literature: IBM 360 programmes for preparing the permuted index of French titles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chonez, Nicole

1968-12-01

This report contains the assembly list, the flow chart and some comments about each of the IBM 360 assembler language programmes used for preparing one of the subject indexes contained in the bibliographical bulletin entitled: 'Index de la Litterature nucleaire francaise'; this bulletin has been produced by the French C.E.A. since 1968. Only the processing phases from the magnetic tape file of the bibliographical references, assumed correct, to the printing out of the permuted index obtained with the French titles of the documents on the tape are considered here. This permuted index has the peculiarity of automatically regrouping synonyms and certain grammatical variations of the words. (author) [fr

French safety and criticality testing programmes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbry, F.; Leclerc, J.; Manaranche, J.C.; Maubert, L.

1982-01-01

This article underlines the need to include experimental safety-criticality programmes in the French nuclear effort. The means and methods used at the Section of Experimental Nuclear Safety and Criticality Research, attached to the CEA Valduc Centre, are described. Three experimental programmes are presented: safety-criticality of the PWR fuel cycle, neutron poisoning of plutonium solutions by gadolinium and safety-criticality of slightly enriched and slightly moderated uranium oxide. Criticality accidents studies in solution are then described [fr

Necessity of Internal Monitoring for Nuclear Medicine Staff in a Large Specialized Chinese Hospital.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Hong-Bo; Zhang, Qing-Zhao; Zhang, Zhen; Hou, Chang-Song; Li, Wen-Liang; Yang, Hui; Sun, Quan-Fu

2016-04-12

This work intends to quantify the risk of internal contaminations in the nuclear medicine staff of one hospital in Henan province, China. For this purpose, the criteria proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to determine whether it is necessary to conduct internal individual monitoring was applied to all of the 18 nuclear medicine staff members who handled radionuclides. The activity of different radionuclides used during a whole calendar year and the protection measures adopted were collected for each staff member, and the decision as to whether nuclear medicine staff in the hospital should be subjected to internal monitoring was made on the basis of the criteria proposed by IAEA. It is concluded that for all 18 members of the nuclear medicine staff in the hospital, internal monitoring is required. Internal exposure received by nuclear medicine staff should not be ignored, and it is necessary to implement internal monitoring for nuclear medicine staff routinely.

Ocean breeze monitoring network at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heck, W.

1987-01-01

The Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station (OCNGS) is located in New Jersey 10 km west of the Atlantic Ocean. Routine meteorological monitoring at the station has consisted of a single meteorological tower 120 m high and instrumented at the 10-m, 46-m, and 116-m levels. An analysis of 5 yr of data from this tower showed the OCNGS is affected by an ocean breeze ∼ 1 day out of 4 during May through August. This suggested the need for meteorological monitoring in addition to the single met tower at OCNGS. As a result of the 1985 OCNGS meteorological monitoring study, GPU Nuclear established an ocean breeze monitoring network in the fall of 1986. It is a permanent part of OCNGS meteorological monitoring and consists of the same sites as used in the 1985 field study. Meteorological towers are located at the ocean site, the inland site, and at OCNGS. The ocean tower is 13 m (43 ft) high, the inland tower 10 m (33 ft), and the OCNGS tower 116 m (380 ft). Wind speed, wind direction, and temperature are measured on each tower; delta-temperature is also measured on the main tower. The instruments are calibrated in the spring, summer, and fall. The network is operated and maintained by GPU Nuclear Environmental Controls. The ocean breeze monitoring network and meteorological information system forms the basis for including the effects of the ocean breeze in OCNGS emergency off-site dose assessment

Monitoring for materials fatigue in nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bartonicek, J.; Hienstorfer, W.

1991-01-01

The pressurizer surge line in unit 1 of the GKN nuclear power station belongs to the safety-relevant systems that have been monitored since the year 1987. The results of this in-service monitoring period show this component part experiences temperature fluctuations that have not been specified in the design documents of GKN 1. The in-service monitoring revealed both local and global temperature changes in the entire surge line, so that the resulting real stresses affecting the surge line can be derived and incorporated in a realistic fatigue analysis. (orig.) [de

Nuclear energy. The post-Fukushima situation, debate about the French exception, the energy transition; Nucleaire. La situation apres Fukushima, debat sur l'exception francaise, la transition energetique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bezat, J.M.; Tazieff, H.; Morin, H.; Le Hir, P.; Vincent, C.; Labbe, M.H.; Viansson-Ponte, P.; Saint-James, D.; Tatu, M.; Pons, P.; Kempf, H.; Lemaitre, F.; Baudet, M.B.; Armagnac, B. d' ; Allix, G.; Foucart, S.; Barroux, R. [Le Monde, 80 boulevard Auguste Blanqui, 75707 Paris Cedex 13 (France)

2011-12-15

Published 8 months after the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident, this special issue of Le Monde newspaper takes stock of the nuclear question. Prior to the Fukushima accident, the civil nuclear industry experienced two other major accidents: Three Miles Island (US, 1979) with limited and controlled impacts, and Chernobyl (USSR, 1986) with enormous impacts. The recent Japanese catastrophe has revived the questions concerning this risky technology. However, according to the IAEA, the civil nuclear energy should continue to develop in the future but in a more moderate way. Germany announced in June 2011 the shutdown of its last reactor by 2022, while France remained an exception until the Fukushima accident with a large political consensus among the general public in favor of nuclear energy. The nuclear phasing out or the energy transition is a complex question which is explored in this special issue. Content: 1 - The nuclear world: a moderate growth of the nuclear industry; interview of Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of IAEA; 441 reactors in operation in the world in January 2011; France has chosen the all-nuclear option; critics: a 'costly, unadapted, useless' nuclear program; interview of Valery Giscard d'Estaing, former French President; the nuclear industry actors; nuclear dismantling: a what cost?; how to manage the 250.000 tons of spent fuels; 2 - A risky technology: radioactivity measurement and effects; how to manage contaminations; four generations of reactors; ITER: a solar project; imagining the unimaginable and anticipating the worse; the wake up of a dozed off fear; the most important accidents: the progress of the three main nuclear catastrophes, the human mistake of Three Mile Island, the days after the Chernobyl accident, in the dead cities around Fukushima; interview of Kenzaburo Oe (Japanese writer); the Blayais power plant to the test; 3 - The energy transition: is France capable to abandon nuclear energy?; Germany is going to re-launch gas

Monitoring arrangement for vented nuclear fuel elements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campana, R.J.

1981-01-01

In a nuclear fuel reactor core, fuel elements are arranged in a closely packed hexagonal configuration, each fuel element having diametrically opposed vents permitting 180 0 rotation of the fuel elements to counteract bowing. A grid plate engages the fuel elements and forms passages for communicating sets of three, four or six individual vents with respective monitor lines in order to communicate vented radioactive gases from the fuel elements to suitable monitor means in a manner readily permitting detection of leakage in individual fuel elements

Quality of environment monitoring: which approach to build up with local actors? ANCLI/IRSN meeting on March 24, 2004

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-01-01

This report presents and discusses the main conclusions of a survey performed among the Information Local Commission (CLIs) and the French Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety Institute (IRSN) in order to know their expectations as far the control of the environment and the monitoring of releases by nuclear installations are concerned. It also reports discussions which occurred during the presentation of these results during a meeting at Ville d'Avray

Impact of electronuclear industry on French economy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bertrand, J.-P.

An analysis of the effects of the French nuclear programme on internal production, international trade and employment in France, between 1976 and 1985, is presented. The contribution of the PWR programme to economic activity, the various branches of industry and manpower utilization is evaluated. After an increase in deficit of the balance of trade, the nuclear industry will limit importations for electricity production and yield an economic rentability [fr

Design of test and emergency procedures to improve operator behaviour in French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Griffon-Fouco, M.; Gomolinski, M.

1982-09-01

The incident analyses performed in French nuclear power plants high-lighted that deficiencies in the design of procedures are frequent causes of human errors. The process for developing new guidelines for the writing of test and emergency procedures is presented: this process is based on operators interviews and observations at the plants or at simulators. The main principles for the writing of procedures are developed. For example: - the elaboration of a procedure for action and of a separate educational procedure, - the coordination of crew responses, - the choice of vocabulary, graphs, flow charts and so on as regards the format. Other complementary actions, such as the training of operators in the use of procedures, are described

Design of test and emergency procedures to improve operator behavior in French nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Griffon-Fouco, M.; Gomolinski, M.

1983-01-01

The incident analyses performed in French nuclear power plants high-lighted that deficiencies in the design of procedures are frequent causes of human errors. The process for developing new guidelines for the writing of test and emergency procedures is presented: this process is based on operators interviews and observations at the plants or at simulators. The main principles for the writing of procedures are developed. For example: the elaboration of a procedure for action and of separate educational procedure; the coordination of crew responses; and the choice of vocabulary, graphs, flow charts and so on as regards the format. Other complementary actions, such as the training of operators in the use of procedures, are described

French achievements in the field of nuclear electronics; Realisations francaises dans le domaine de l'electronique nucleaire

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Doireau, M; Fabre, R; Guillon, H; Guyot, C [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1958-07-01

Nuclear electronic equipment used by the french Atomic Energy Commission has been developed, with an increasing participation of the radioelectric industry (manufacture under AEC license, contracts for prototypes). The equipment for general use has been standardized and satis the technical specification sheets in which are specified more particularly, the conditions for construction, the choice of the spare parts and the conditions for acceptance by the french AEC at factory. The electronic equipment is classified in nine classes, and a brief description of the principal instruments is given in each class. The reliability of the equipment in use is satisfactory, as it is shown by the mean frequency of faults per 1000 hours operation. (author)Fren. [French] L'appareillage d'electronique nucleaire utilise au Commissariat a l'Energie atomique fran is a ete developpe en demandant un concours de plus en plus important a l'industrie radioelectrique (fabrications sous licence CEA, marches de prototypes, etc...). Le materiel d'emploi courant a ete standardise et repond aux specifications de cahiers des charges ou sont precises en particulier les conditions de realisation du materiel, le choix des pieces detachees et les conditions de recette en usine. L'appareillage electronique est classe en neuf rubriques et une description sommaire des principaux appareils est donnee dans chacune des rubriques. La tenue en service du materiel est satisfaisante, ainsi que le montre la frequence moyenne des pannes observees par 1000 heures de fonctionnement. (auteur)

Present status of contamination monitoring at the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nguyen, Hoang Van [Dalat Nuclear Research Inst. (Viet Nam)

1997-06-01

The Dalat nuclear research reactor was renovated and upgraded from the previous TRIGA reactor. In Vietnam, it is a unique nuclear device having suitable neutron flux for the radioisotope production and neutron activation analysis. Soon after the reactor reached its initial criticality in November 1983, a programme has been formed to develop the application of nuclear techniques in various fields. In addition, the use of radioisotopes for diagnostic, therapeutic and other research purposes has been in progress. In order to support these activities, the radiation protection, especially the radiation contamination monitoring has been properly paid attention to. In DNRI, the Radiation Protection Department is responsible for controlling and supervising radiation and working safety for all activities. In this paper, the following items are described on radiation contamination monitoring: controlled area, surface contamination monitoring, and airborne concentration monitoring. (G.K.)

On-line system for monitoring of boiling in nuclear reactor fuel assemblies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tuerkcan, E.; Kozma, R.; Verhoef, J.P.; Nabeshima, K.

1996-01-01

An important goal of nuclear reactor instrumentation is the continuous monitoring of the state of the reactor and the detection of deviations from the normal behaviour at an early stage. Early detection of anomalies enables one to make the necessary steps in order to prevent further damage of nuclear fuel. In the present paper, an on-line core monitoring system is described by means of which boiling anomaly in nuclear reactor fuel assemblies can be detected. (author). 9 refs, 7 figs

Radiation monitoring instrumentation for nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bharath Kumar, M.

2013-01-01

Measurement of nucleonic signals is required to control and operate the reactor in a safe and reliable manner. To achieve this, parameters like Neutron flux, other radiation fields, contamination levels, source strength, release thru stack etc. are required to be monitored and controlled. The above are required to be monitored throughout the life of the reactor whether it is operational or in shutdown condition. In addition such monitoring is also required during decommissioning phase of the reactor as needed. To measure these parameters a large number of instruments are used in Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) which includes sensors and electronics for detecting alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation with qualification to withstand harsh environment

Environmental monitoring in the vicinity of nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jacomino, V.M.F.; Maduar, M.F.

1992-02-01

The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance for setting up programmes of environmental monitoring in the vicinity of establishments in a normal condition of operation. It intends to contribute for trainning of technicians working in the nuclear field. In order to illustrate the application of the basic principles described in this manual, the routine environmental monitoring programme carried out in the IPEN-CNEN/SP is presented. (author)

Environmental radiation monitoring around the nuclear facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Chang Woo; Choi, Geun Sik and others

2001-02-01

Environmental Radiation Monitoring was carried out with measurement of environment. Radiation and environmental radioactivity analysis around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor. The results of environmental radiation monitoring around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor are the follows : The average level of environmental radiation dose measured by NaI scintillation counter and accumulated radiation dose by TLD was almost same level compared with the past years. Gross {alpha}, {beta} radioactivity in environmental samples showed a environmental level. {gamma}-radionuclides in water samples were not detected. But only radionuclide K-40, which is natural radionuclide, was detected in the all samples and Cs-137 was detected in the surface soil and discharge sediment. The average level of environmental radiation dose around Seoul Research Reactor was almost same level compared with the past years, and Be-7 and Cs-137 were detected in some surface soil and discharge sediment by {gamma}-spectrometry.

Environmental radiation monitoring around the nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Chang Woo; Choi, Young Ho

2000-02-01

Environmental radiation monitoring was carried out with measurement of environment radiation and environmental radioactivity analysis around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor. The results of environmental radiation monitoring around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor are the follows: The average level of environmental radiation dose measured by NaI scintillation counter and accumulated radiation dose by TLD was almost some level compared with the past years. Gross α, β radioactivity in environmental samples showed a environmental level. γ-radionuclides in water sample were not detected. But only radionuclide K-40, which is natural radionuclide, was detected in the all samples and Cs-137 was detected in the surface soil and discharge sediment. The average level of environmental radiation dose around Seoul Research Reactor was almost same level compared with the past years, and Be-7 and Cs-137 were detected in some surface soil and discharge sediment by γ-spectrometry. (author)

Environmental radiation monitoring around the nuclear facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Chang Woo; Choi, Young Ho

2000-02-01

Environmental radiation monitoring was carried out with measurement of environment radiation and environmental radioactivity analysis around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor. The results of environmental radiation monitoring around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor are the follows: The average level of environmental radiation dose measured by NaI scintillation counter and accumulated radiation dose by TLD was almost some level compared with the past years. Gross {alpha}, {beta} radioactivity in environmental samples showed a environmental level. {gamma}-radionuclides in water sample were not detected. But only radionuclide K-40, which is natural radionuclide, was detected in the all samples and Cs-137 was detected in the surface soil and discharge sediment. The average level of environmental radiation dose around Seoul Research Reactor was almost same level compared with the past years, and Be-7 and Cs-137 were detected in some surface soil and discharge sediment by {gamma}-spectrometry. (author)

Environmental radiation monitoring around the nuclear facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Chang Woo; Choi, Young Ho; Lee, M.H. [and others

1999-02-01

Environmental radiation monitoring was carried out with measurement of environment radiation and environmental radioactivity analysis around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul research reactor. The results of environmental radiation monitoring around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul research reactor are the follows : The average level of environmental radiation dose measured by NaI scintillation counter and accumulated radiation dose by TLD was almost same level compared with the past years. Gross {alpha}, {beta} radioactivity in environmental samples showed a environmental level. {gamma}-radionuclides in water samples were not detected. But only radionuclide K-40, which is natural radionuclide, was detected in the all samples and Cs-137 was detected in the surface soil and discharge sediment. The average level of environmental radiation dose around Seoul research reactor was almost same level compared with the past years, and Be-7 and Cs-137 were detected in some surface soil and discharge sediment by {gamma}-spectrometry. (author). 3 refs., 50 tabs., 12 figs.

Environmental radiation monitoring around the nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Chang Woo; Choi, Geun Sik and others

2001-02-01

Environmental Radiation Monitoring was carried out with measurement of environment. Radiation and environmental radioactivity analysis around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor. The results of environmental radiation monitoring around KAERI nuclear facilities and Seoul Research Reactor are the follows : The average level of environmental radiation dose measured by NaI scintillation counter and accumulated radiation dose by TLD was almost same level compared with the past years. Gross α, β radioactivity in environmental samples showed a environmental level. γ-radionuclides in water samples were not detected. But only radionuclide K-40, which is natural radionuclide, was detected in the all samples and Cs-137 was detected in the surface soil and discharge sediment. The average level of environmental radiation dose around Seoul Research Reactor was almost same level compared with the past years, and Be-7 and Cs-137 were detected in some surface soil and discharge sediment by γ-spectrometry

Quality assurance monitoring during nuclear fuel production in JSC 'TVEL'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Filimonov, G.; Tchirkov, V.

2000-01-01

The paper describes Quality Assurance (QA) monitoring during fabrication of nuclear fuel in Russian Federation. Joint Stock Company 'TVEL', natural state monopoly of the type of holding that fabricates and supplies nuclear fuel for the NPPs of Russia, CIS and Europe, incorporates the major enterprises of the nuclear fuel cycle including JSC 'Mashinostroitelny zavod', Electrostal (fabrication of fuel pellets, rods and assemblies for different types of reactors), JSC 'Novosibirsky zavod khimconcentratov', Novosibirsk (fabrication of fuel rods and assemblies for WWER-440 and WWER-1000), JSC 'Tchepetsky mechanitchesky zavod', Tchepetsk (fabrication of Zr tubing). Monitoring of QA is an important element of Quality Management System (QMS) developed and implemented at the above-mentioned enterprises of the JSC 'TVEL' and it is performed on three levels including external and internal audits and author's supervision. Paper also describes short- and long-term policies of the JSC 'TVEL' in nuclear fuel quality field. (author)

The development of nuclear power in France

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vendryes, G.

1985-01-01

The author of this contribution, who read a paper on the same subject on the evening he was appointed Honorary Member of the Kerntechnische Gesellschaft (KTG), has been continuously engaged in a wide variety of activities within the French Atomic Energy Commission, CEA, for the past 32 years and has been in charge of the French breeder program since the late fifties. His analysis of the nuclear power situation in France and his survey of problems and development goals therefore is not only based on expert knowledge, but also reflects the official French idea of the rank nuclear power in the French energy supply policy and in the French economy. It shows that the foreseeable pronounced slowdown, due to declining demand, in the expansion of the network of nuclear power plants - a slowdown at a high level of capacity - does not detract from the growing importance of nuclear power in France. The awareness exists that this program can be, and must be, continued in its subareas. The French Government is convinced that the nuclear option was the only possible choice and that having decided in favor of it will pay even more in the future than it does already. (orig.) [de