Nuclear Criticality Safety Management for Enriched Fuel Handling Operations at Bruce Power

Abstract

With the possibility in the future of operating with enriched fuel, Bruce Power several years ago established a program for managing risk of nuclear criticality in its fuel handling operations. Although this risk would be inherently low, rigorous standards were adopted, based primarily on the relevant clauses in the American Nuclear Society standards for nuclear criticality safety. Experience gained in connection with a demonstration irradiation of an enriched fuel design and with preparations for possible large scale use of enriched fuel has been favourable, but has led to some improvements to the program. Bruce Power believes that its nuclear criticality safety program will in all respects be appropriate for any enriched fuel handling operations it will undertake and consistent with the typical Canadian approach to assure safety in reactor operations.