News from ETSON and its members*

30 Apr 2022 | GRS | Cosmic particles allow X-ray vision NP Cosmic particles allow X-ray vision

GRS experts develop computational code that can be used to simulate muon radiographic images in order to test the suitability of the method for examining storage casks for spent fuel assemblies.

30 Apr 2022 | JSI | Securing nuclear fuel for European research reactors NP ENEEP Demonstration course “Experimental Reactor Physics” at the Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia

In the framework of the EU-funded project “ENEEP – European Nuclear Experimental Educational Platform”, a demonstration course titled “Experimental Reactor Physics” was successfully carried out at the Jožef Stefan Institute for a group of 10 students in February 2022.

30 Apr 2022 | IRSN | IRSN launches a new dosimeter design RPL-neutron NP IRSN launches a new dosimeter design RPL-neutron

As part of the radiological monitoring of workers exposed to ionizing radiation, IRSN provides dosimetry services by continuing its R&D efforts to make available state-of-the-art dosimeters. This is the case for the "new generation" RPL-neutron dosimeter, which was put into service on January 1, 2022. 

30 Apr 2022 | SURO | Securing nuclear fuel for European research reactors NP Securing nuclear fuel for European research reactors

One of the biggest challenges for today's European research reactors is the sustainability of their operation and the related need to secure the supply of nuclear fuel. Two groups of research reactors are particularly affected by this challenge.

30 Apr 2022 | GRS | Better safe than sorry – current research on IT attacks via supply chains NP Better safe than sorry – current research on IT attacks via supply chains

"The Internet is on fire" – that was the message in mid-December 2021 when a security loophole in the Java framework log4j became known, making a wide range of cyber-attacks possible. The Federal Office for Information Security then raised a "red" alert, the highest warning level. Quite a number of companies around the world have turned out to be affected. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, GRS experts are analysing cyber-attacks and security incidents that may also be relevant for German nuclear facilities and installations in order to protect them accordingly.

30 Apr 2022 | IRSN | An automated system for surveillance and assessment of airborne radioactivity NP Sealing of a geological repository for IL-LL and HL waste

The sealing of a geological repository for radioactive waste must ensure a major containment function over a very long period. To enable its experts to assess the safety files drawn up by Andra (1) as part of the CIGÉO project (2) IRSN is conducting active research on this topic, as shown by the VSEAL project, carried out in its underground research laboratory in Tournemire (Aveyron).

30 Apr 2022 | SURO | An automated system for surveillance and assessment of airborne radioactivity  NP An automated system for surveillance and assessment of airborne radioactivity

A team of young researchers at the National Radiation Protection Institute in Prague uses state-of-the-art tools to measure and instantly visualise current radiological and meteorological data, making the results ready for interpretation in a matter of seconds.

30 Apr 2022 | GRS | On the track of safety: simulating events and accidents in nuclear power plants NP On the track of safety: simulating events and accidents in nuclear power plants

GRS now offers an extended and revised version of its AC² code package which is used worldwide by supervisory authorities, expert organisations and universities as well as research centres to review the safety of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. The updated version allows i. a. the better simulation of technical features of so-called SMRs (Small Modular Reactors). 

30 Apr 2022 | IRSN | France cooperates with the IAEA in the medical management of a radiological accident in Asia NP France cooperates with the IAEA in the medical management of a radiological accident in Asia

Under the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, IAEA Member States may request assistance by the Agency via its Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

30 Apr 2022 | GRS | New flow model for steam generator tube leakages developed NP New flow model for steam generator tube leakages developed

Steam generator tubes in pressurised water reactors are exposed to high stresses such as high temperatures or large pressure differences. In combination with possible corrosive effects due to deposits in the outer area of the tubes, these stresses can at worst lead to leakages, which in turn could have an influence on operational safety. A team of researchers from GRS and the Materials Testing Institute of the University of Stuttgart has therefore conducted in-depth investigations into such leakages with the support of the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs. The scientists have now developed a flow model with which the leakage rate of the escaping medium can be determined even more precisely than previously possible.

15 Mar 2022 | ETSON | Statement newspicture Statement of the ETSON President on the current situation in Ukraine

During the last weeks, I have observed the status of nuclear safety in Ukraine with regard to the Russian Federation’s continued attacks against Ukraine with great concern. I specifically reviewed the nuclear safety implications of the attacks against nuclear installations in Ukraine, which I strongly condemn. 

15 Mar 2022 | ETSON | Ukrainian NPPs newspicture ETSON Members on the situation in Ukrainian NPPs

Concerning the situation in the Ukraine, some members of ETSON have published notes and reports.

22 Feb 2022 | Jacobs | Managing nuclear assets the digital way newspicture Managing nuclear assets the digital way

The UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) believes that digital transformation is the future of its asset management. It aims to deliver savings of up £150m per annum through efficient data and information management.

22 Feb 2022 | Vuje | Creation of the material archive from decommissioned V1 NPP newspicture Creation of the material archive from decommissioned V1 NPP

VUJE in a consortium with other partners is implementing the Project: “D4.2 Dismantling of Reactor Coolant System Large Components” being a crucial part of V1 Nuclear Power Plant (two units with VVER– 440 reactors located in Jaslovské Bohunice site in Slovakia). In Cooperation with the company JAVYS, a material archive and a related database including all relevant information to specific material parts is created in order to LTO support of the operated units. 

22 Feb 2022 | ENEA | A surrogate model for atmospheric dispersion newspicture A surrogate model for atmospheric dispersion in emergency situations leveraging ensemble weather forecasts

Ensemble weather forecasts can be very useful in properly predicting the dispersion of radioactive material in an accident, but they are very expensive to use. We present a surrogate model approach that aims at recovering the information from the whole ensemble while trying to still be fast enough to be used in emergency situations.

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