Replacement of PUSPATI TRIGA reactor primary cooling system and safety considerations

Abstract

ABSTRACT

PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor (RTP) is the only nuclear research reactor in Malaysia. It has been safely operated and maintained since 28 June 1982. Over 28 years of operation, some of the reactor systems have been upgraded or replaced to ensure the functionality and safety of the reactor. One of the major reactor systems which is primary cooling system is used to remove heat generated in the reactor core. The former primary cooling system consisting of single unit of shell-and-tube heat exchanger, three centrifugal pumps and piping system was replaced with a new system due to decreasing of the cooling performance. The new primary cooling system, consisting of two units of the 1.5-MW plate-type heat exchangers, new three primary pumps and new piping system was installed in accordance to the specified AELB requirements and guidelines of Nuclear Malaysia Safety, Health and Environment Committee (JKSHE). This paper summarises the replacement process of the former RTP primary cooling system. The activities involved preparation before and during construction and installation phases as well as safety consideration based on International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) requirements and Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 514) were discussed and evaluated.

ABSTRAK

Reaktor TRIGA PUSPATI (RTP) ialah satu-satunya reaktor penyelidikan nuklear di Malaysia.Ia telah selamat dikendalikan dan disenggarakan semenjak 28 Jun 1982. Sepanjang operasi selama 28 tahun, beberapa sistem reaktor telah dinaiktaraf dan diganti untuk memastikan kefungsian dan keselamatan reaktor.Salah satu daripada sistem reaktor utama, iaitu sistem penyejukan primer digunakan untuk menyingkirkan haba yang terjana di dalam teras reaktor. Sistem penyejukan primer RTP pada asalnya terdiri daripada sebuah penukar haba jenis petala dan tiub dan tiga unit pam empar serta sistem perpaipan telah digantikan disebabkan penurunan dalam prestasi penyejukan. Sistem penyejukan RTP yang baru terdiri daripada dua unit penukar haba jenis plat 1.5MW, tiga unit pam empar dan sistem perpaipan yang baru telah dipasang sejajar dengan keperluan AELB dan pematuhan terhadap peraturan Jawatankuasa Keselamatan, Kesihatan dan Alam Sekitar (JKSHE) Nuklear Malaysia. Penulisan ini merumuskan proses penggantian sistem penyejukan RTP yang asal. Aktiviti-ativiti yang terlibat dalam persediaan sebelum dan selepas fasa pembinaan dan pemasangan serta mengambil kira keselamatan berdasarkan garis panduan daripada Agensi Tenaga Atom Antarabangsa (IAEA), peraturan-peraturan Lembaga Pelesenan Tenaga Atom (AELB) dan Akta Kesihatan dan Keselamatan Pekerjaan (Akta 514) telah dibincangkan dan dinilaikan.