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Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
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Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Latest News
Article considers incorporation of AI into nuclear power plant operations
The potential application of artificial intelligence to the operation of nuclear power plants is explored in an article published in late December in the Washington Examiner. The article, written by energy and environment reporter Callie Patteson, presents the views of a number of experts, including Yavuz Arik, a strategic energy consultant.
Gregg B. Swindlehurst
Nuclear Technology | Volume 121 | Number 3 | March 1998 | Pages 295-301
Technical Paper | RETRAN | doi.org/10.13182/NT98-A2841
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Duke Power Company has experienced high levels of steam generator tube degradation at its McGuire Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, and at Catawba Nuclear Station, Unit 1. Repair of the degraded tubes by sleeving and plugging has resulted in exceeding the tube plugging levels assumed in the licensing basis analyses. Consequently, the licensing basis was reanalyzed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-approved RETRAN-02 and VIPRE-01 methodology to justify continued operation with tube plugging levels up to 20%. A decision was also made to replace the steam generators with a design significantly different from the current steam generators. This necessitated additional analytical efforts to determine the thermal-hydraulic transients to be used in the design of the replacement steam generators, to reanalyze the licensing basis, and to re-certify the control room simulator. The RETRAN-02, RETRAN-03, VIPRE-01, GOTHIC 4.0, and RELAP5/MOD3 codes were used for these analyses. The adverse impact of increased steam generator tube plugging levels and the design of the replacement steam generators were accommodated without significantly impacting plant operation or requiring more restrictive technical specification limits.