Assessment of the consequences of hypothetical nuclear accidents in an advanced PWR, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract The pressurised water reactor (PWR) situated on the northern coast of Egypt is one of the world’s most advanced nuclear power plants. This study aims to accurately assess the consequences of potential radioactive releases during two hypothetical nuclear accidents, thereby safeguarding individuals and the environment. The Health Physics Simulation Software HotSpot 3.1.2 was employed to model this reactor’s two hypothetical accident scenarios (AS1 and AS2). The study introduced and explored the immediate and delayed protective measures related to the effective doses at the pertinent distances concerning AS2. It has been found that increasing the effective release altitude was observed to negatively affect both TEDE and ground deposition, while elevated wind speeds proved to be successful in reducing radioactive harm. Consequently, it is recommended that urgent measures be implemented to safeguard the public from exposure to these pathways in the event of significant radiological incidents, even at considerable distances from the source.

Keywords

• Radiation doses
• Atmospheric pollutants
• TEDE
• CEDE
• Radioactive releases
• Safeguarding