CELEX: 51978PC0166
Language: en
Date: 1978-04-19
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION adopting a programme of research for the European Atomic Energy Community on safety in thermal water reactors (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

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COM (78) 166
Vol. 1978/0054
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 ---pagebreak---         COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                                 COM(78)166 final.
                                                                 Brussels , 19 April
                            PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
                  adopting a programme of research for the European
                  Atomic Energy Community on safety in thermal water
                                        reactors
                       ( submitted, to the Council by the Commission )
C 011(78 ) 166 final .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                 XI1/7 60/77-EN
1 . Introduction
 According to the Resolution on Energy and the Environment adopted by the
 Council on 7 November 1974 "••• the Communities and the Member States should
  investigate the special problems associated with the development of atomic
 energy , particularly the danger of radiation , the problems of reactor
 safety. • . • " ( l)
 Again , in the Council Resolution of 22 July 75 on the technological problems
 of nuclear safety the Council agreed ".••• to strengthen Community efforts to
 coordinate applied research programmes in order to make the best possible use
  of the resources available in the Community and the Member States "both techni­
 cally and financially whilst avoiding as far as possible unnecessary duplica­
 tion ; these efforts shall be aimed at improving systematic exchanges of
  information , promoting concerted action and cooperation between specialized
 bodies and institutes and stimulating where appropriate the development of
  Comunity programmes " ( 2 )
 To achieve these aims the Commission has accordingly initiated various acti­
  vities as advised by its working group n° 2 which deals with thermal water
  reactor safety research.
 Because of the large range and complexity of subjects and the various degrees
  of possible coordination the following working method was applied :
  - to subdivide the huge field of research to be covered ;
  - to focus efforts on improving exchanges of information both on modifica­
      tions and developments of research programmes in member states and on
      progress and results obtained ;
  - to endeavour at the same time to arrive at the best solution of the major
      technical problems and to identify priorities in the research programme .
                                                                         • /• • •
   ( l ) Doc . R/2 99 6/74 ( ENV 137 , ENER 48) of 14 Nov. 1974
   (2 ) Offioial journal of the European Communities n° CI85/I-I4 August 1975
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 2 -                   XII /760/77-EN
Generally speaking , the ultimate objectives of the Commission 's
measure   are :
1.      to establish an efficient and rapid information network in the Commu­
nity and to facilitate exchanges of information with industrially-developed
non-member countries : this allows the identification of areas where more
knowledge is required
2.      to promote - in selected fields and according to a pre-established
order of priority - continuous consultation , coordination and cooperation
between the specialized agencies and institutes of the Member States and ,
where appropriate those of the non-Member States .
3.      to promote Community projects particularly to increase the knowledge
in those specified areas where more knowledge is required.
Efforts to achieve items ( l ) and (2 ) have "been underway for sometime .
This present proposal concerns item ( 3 ).
2 . Programme
The proposed Community research and development programme is intended to be
complementary to existing and proposed programmes of thermal water reactor
safety research in :
- Community Member States
- Nuclear advanced countries outside the Community ( for ex. USA , Japan ,
   Sweden)
- The Joint Research Centre of the Commission ( direct action).
The work is intended to be carried out in organisations of the Community
Member States with the financial participation of the Community ( indirect
 action).
                                                                   ./..
 (*) This is essentially for Light Wat^r Reactors (LWR) but it can be
      relevant to Heavy Water Pressure Tube Reactors.
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 3 -                    XII h 60/77-EN
The suggested programme is "based, on a comprehensive Bet of consultations at
the technical level ; it has "been examined "by the Scientific and Technical
Committee of Euratom who have given a favourable opinion.
- Three specific topics have been identified where maximum priority is
  necessary to improve and consolidate existing technical knowledge s
   ( a)   The loss of coolant accident ( LOCA ) and subsequent correct
          functioning and effect of the emergency core cooling system ( ECCS ) .
   (b )   The protection of nuclear installations against gas oloud explosions .
   ( c)   The escape of radioactive fission products and dispersion in the
          atmosphere following a reactor accident .
The intention of the Commission is that work on these topics can each be
carried out , in parallel , and in a collaborative manner , at a number of
organisations within the Community.      In the case of experimental work the
total cost to the Community can be considerably reduced by making use of
high capital oost experimental facilities already existing within
Community Member States .
The overall aim of this programme is to supply industry and governmental
organisations with necessary basic information to consolidate the safe opera­
tion     and assessment of thermal water reactors in use and under construction
today- that is those types of nuclear plant providing the majority of current
nuclear electricity generation.
The proposed duration of the programme is five years ( mid 1978 - mid 1983 ).
The programme will be implemented under contraots .      In the execution of this
programme the Commission will be assisted by the Advisory Committee on
Programme Management for reactor safety research ( direct action) which will
therefore exercise its consultative r61e on indirect actions as well as
direot action.
 2.1. Work in the area of the loss of coolant accident ( LOCA ) and the
        functioning of the emergency core cooling system ( ECCS ) .
 Due to the nature of nuclear reactors an acoident whereby primary coolant
 is lost has been identified as a major fault condition necessitating detailed
 study and carefully designed safety systems .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 4 -
                                                             XII /760/77-EN
 Because of the phenomena of delayed heat caused "by the decay of fission
 products it is impossible to completely and instantaneously terminate the
 production of heat . Thus if a rupture of the primary circuit occurs causing
 loss of primary coolant it is necessary , even with the reactor shut down ,
 to maintain adequate cooling of the reactor core .
 Reactor safety assessment is largely     based on theoretical studies using
 computer codes , the validity of which are dependent on experimental studies
 covering the range     from basic research through single effect tests to
 integral and large inpile tests . Numerous programmes currently exist in this
"both inside and outside the Community -, including the direct action
 programme at the JRC , and it is clearly not possible to describe all these
 in detail .   Many are interconnected and some overlapping is necessary as a
 check between the various programmes .     It is a fact that water reactors are
 being licensed tooperate commercially while these research programmes are
 underway studying in more detail various important phenomena , such as occur
  during emergency core cooling.    The mathematical models and associated com­
 puter codes developed for the design and licensing process ( the so-called
  " licensing codes " compared to the "best estimate codes ") have built in con­
  servative margins in order to ensure safety.     These  theoretical and expert-
  mental programmes will allow a better understanding and a possible reduction
  of some of these margins in order to enable reactors to be safely operated
  more efficiently.    Clearly a Community programme of research must take into
  account the extensive theoretical and experimental work being carried out ,
  particularly   in the USA and the JRC iBpra.    A thorough examination of thiB
  work shows an attempt on the one hand to execute experiments under conditions
  more and more approaching real accident conditions and on the other to look
  into the thermohydraulic phenomena in a more detailed manner during the dif­
  ferent stages of an accident caused by the loss of primary coolant .
  The 1977-1980 direct action programme of the JRC has already devoted a large
  effort to the initial blowdown process .    However quite a number of phenomena
  are still to be analysed and specified particularly during the subsequent
  stages of a LOCA where re-wetting- reflooding of the core occur after the
  complete or partial uncovering of the fuel elements*
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 5 -                 XII /760/77-EN
The experiments proposed under the indirect action programme include the
simulation of the production of nuclear decay heat by direct or indireot
electrical heating of the pins and can be classified in three categories :
-   study of the behaviour of a single pin with different variations of
    filling with particular observation of the olad behaviour and the
    mechanism of heat transfer at the quenching level ;
-   study of the behaviour of a bundle of pins and the thermal and hydraulic
    phenomena not only at the quenching level but also in the upper part of
    the vessel with different outflow conditions ;
-   study of the same hydraulic and thermal parameters for a bundle of defor­
    med pins thus disturbing the hydraulic characteristics of cooling.
These proposed studies do not oover the field    of in-pile experiments t nor
the large integral tests .
A cooperative programme of investigations to be implemented by research
contracts in the research centres of member countries of the Community.
                COMMLJNITY CONTRIBUTION :  4 805 000 EUA
 2.2 . The protection of nuclear installations against gas cloud explosions
 In order to determine the necessary protection of nuclear power plants
 against external explosions a better understanding of the phenomena of
 unconfined gas cloud explosions is required , in particular the following
 items :                                     •
- Assessment of previous major incidents ;
- Study of flammable material release characteristics {
- Study of explosive gas cloud formation and dispersion ;
- Study of flammability and explosivity ;
- Estimation of incident pressure waves generated by unconfined gas
   oloud explosions ;
- Interaction of incident pressure waves with target structures f
- Study of structural response to imposed pressure loadings .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 6 -                 XII /760/77-EN
The present programme will deal with the above items and will include both
theoretical and experimental work.   Several establishments within the Commu­
nity already have a limited current programme of work in this field.
The JRC runs a researoh activity which has strong connections with the last
two items of the above mentioned list . The object of this Community action
is to encourage cooperation in this activity and to reinforce and extend an
integral programme of work.
An experimental and theoretical cooperative programme to be implemented by
means of research oontracts in Community research establishements .
                   COMMJNITY CONTRIBUTION x 800 000 EUA
This figure includes possible small technical theoretical studies to be
financed completely by the Commission.
  r
2.3 .  The escape of radioactive fission products and dispersion in the
       atmosphere following a reactor accident .
       Models describing the release of fission products from nuclear plant
and their dispersion in the atmosphere have become increasingly important
in connection with evaluating the risk and consequences to the environment ,
particularly in connection with postulated accidents. Such models are a
major component of recent well publicised studies on reactor safety ( for
example the U.S. Rasmussen-Study WASH 1400) and are therefore very relevant
to the current public debate on the comparison of nuclear and non-nuolear
risks . Also the question of such dispersion is of particular concern to
the Community because of the possibility of dispersion of radioactivity
spreading across national boundaries following a reactor accident in one
country.
Many such mathematical models have now been developed with however varying
complexity and characteristics. The development of such complex models
 involving turbulent diffusion of plumes with its interdependence on meteo­
 rological and topographical conditions is itself a difficult task. Also the
 complications are augmented by the addition of radiation effects. Thus expe­
 rimental verification and improvement of such models is necessary.
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 7 -                   XII /7 60/7 7 - M
It is therefore proposed that initially a detailed study and comparison of
these model3 should be undertaken with a view to their suitability for
European conditions .   Such a study will indicate exactly where experimental
verifications and improvements are required.
It seems for example that more information is required on vertical dispersion
and for releases at coastal sites and dispersion over water.
The suggested programme consists of initial theoretical and subsequent
experimental work taking in account the research already performed by the
JRC under the Environment Direct Action Programme . Also to be considered
is other relevant work underway including that within the Euratora Radiation
Protection Programme .
An experimental and theoretical cooperative programme to be implemented
by means of research contracts in Community research establishments .
                      COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION : 1 400 000 EU A
This figure includes possible small technical theoretical studies to be
financed completely by the Commission .
3.  Financial and staff resources required
    The fundB and staff required for this programme are as follows :
        Ope rat ing budget         7 005 000 EUA
        Staff                      3A + IB + 1C
        Staff costs                 1 469 000 EUA
        Administrative expenses        326 000 EUA
         TOTAL FUNDS REQUIRED       8 800 000 EUA
 ---pagebreak---                                   - 8 -                 XII /7 60/7 7 -EN
PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH FOR THE
EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY ON SAFETY IN THERMAL WATER REACTORS
                            (INDIRECT NUCLEAR ACTION )
The Council of the European Communities ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomio Energy Community ,
and in particular Artiole 7 thereof ;
Having regard to the proposal of the Commission presented after consultation
with the Scientific   and Technical Committee ;
Having regard to the Opinion of the Eurppean Parliament ;
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic arid Social Committee }
Having regard to the Council resolution of 22 July 1975 ( l )     "the technolo­
gical problems of nuclear safety;
                                                        (2
Having regard to the Council resolution of 18 July 1977       on a direct
action programme on reactor safety research ;
Whereas the promotion of programmes of nuclear safety research is one of the
Community 's essential ways of contributing to the safe production of nuclear
power and to the protection of the population and the environment ;
Whereas it is opportune to complement the direct action programme by an
indirect action programme of research ;
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION s
Article 1
A programme of research on the safety of thermal water reactors , as Bet out
in the Annex , shall be adopted for a period of five years starting on
1 July 1978# The Annex forms a part of this decision*
    Official journal of the European Communities N° C I85 - 14 August 1975
 2)
    Official journal of the European Communities N° L 200 - 8 August 1977
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 9 -                 XII /760/77-Sîï
Article 2
For implementation of this programme , the amount of the expenditure
commitments is estimated to "be 8 800 000 EUA and the Commission staff
shall be five persons .
Article 3
The programme defined in the Annex can "be reviewed at the end of the
seoond year , aooording to the appropriate procedures .
Article 4
The Advisory Committee on Management of the direct action programme on
reactor safety researoh set up by the Council resolution of 18 July 1977
is also competent for advice on this indirect action programme .
                                     Done at Brussels
                                     For the Council
                                     The President
  ^ Official journal of the European Communities N° C192 - 11 August 1977
 ---pagebreak---                                                            XI1/7 60/77-EN
ANNEX
INDIRECT FIT CLEAR ACTION
SAFETY RESEARCH IN THERMAL WATER REACTOR
The purpose of the programme shall be the collaborative investigation of
phenomena in order to further advance the safe operation of thermal water
nuclear reactors .
The programme oonsists    of three parts , each being a theoretical and
experimental study on one of the following particular topics :
( a)  The loss of coolant accident ( LOCA) and the functioning and performance
      of the emergency core oooling system ( ECCS ) ;
 (b ) The protection of nuclear plant against gas oloud explosions ;
 (c)  The release and distribution of radioactive fission products in the
      atmosphere following a reactor accident .
The programme will be mainly implemented under contract with possibly some
Bmall technical theoretical studies to be financed completely by the
Commission.
 ---pagebreak---                           FINANCIAL RECORD
                             1978 BUDGET .
A. PART I
1 . Relevant budget heading code
    Poste 3363
2 . Title of "budget heading
    Research on thermal - water reactor safety
3 . Legal "basis
    Article 7 of the Euratora Treaty
4# Description , objectives and .justification of the pro.ject
4.0. Description of the project/persons concerned
4.0.0. Description
        A EURATOM research programme on thermal water reactor safety
4.0.1. Persons concerned ( outside the Commission)
4* 0.1.0.   Category
            Nuclear research establishments
4*0.1.1 .   Nurnber
            Cannot be decided until after tenders have been returned
            and assessed.
4*0.1.2 .   Geographical location
            Within the Community – Comment in 4.0.1.1 . applies.
4* 1 . Objectives of the pro.ject
4.1.0.    General Objectives
          In the Council Resolution of 22 July 1975 on the technological pro­
          blems of nuclear safety the Council considered it necessary "... to
          strengthen Community efforts to coordinate applied research programmes
          in order to make the best possible use of the resources available in
          the Community and the Member States both technically and financially
          whilst avoiding as far as possible unnecessary duplication :
 ---pagebreak---   ;
                                         - 2 -
■these efforts shall be aimed a"t improving systematic exchanges of information ,
promoting concerted action and cooperation between specialized bodies and
institutes and stimulating where appropriate the development of Community
programmes"
It should also be noted that the anxiety felt by the general public as
regards nuclear power is a major obstacle to the development of nuclear
capacity within the Community.
The overall aim of this programme is to supply industry and gevernmental
 organizations with the necessary basic information to enable them to con­
 solidate the safe operation and assessment of water-reactors in use and
under construction today - i.e. the types of nuclear plant most commonly
used for nuclear electricity generation at the present time .
 Thus tha aim of the programme is to effect the analysis of phenomena on a
 collaborative basis in order to further advance the safe operation of
water-cooled reactors .
 4. 1 . 1 . Specific objectives of the programme and its contribution towards
            the general objective
            The Commission Working Group TT° 2 which deals with water reactor
            safety research has identified three specific topics where maximum
            priority is necessary to improve and consolidate the present
            state of the art :
            (a) the loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) and subsequent correct
                   functioning and effect of the emergency core cooling system ( ECCS )
            (b ) the protection of nuclear installations against gas cloud explosions
             ( c ) the escape of radioactive fission produots and dispersion in
                   the atmosphere following a reactor accident
            It is intended that work on each of these topics be carried out , in
            parallel , and on a collaborative basis , at a number of organisations
            within the Community.
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 3 -
 4.2 . Justification of the programme chosen to attain the objectives
       The proposed programme is "based on a number of technical level discussions
       "between experts drawn from a wide range of institutes and organizations
       within the Community , thus ensuring the maximum possible coordination
        with the relevant nuclear organizations in the Member States .
        This draft Community research and development programme is intended to
        be complementary to existing and planned programmes of LWR research in :
        - Community Member States
        - Non-Member States advanced nuclear technologi.es ( e.g. , USA , Japan ,
          . Sweden)
        - the Joint Research Centre of the Commission ( direct action)
 5. Financial implications of the pro.jects ( in KJA)
 5. O. Implications in respect of expenditure
       - on Community budget                     8 800 000
       - by national administrations ( l )          -
       - by other sectors at national level ( l )   -
                                       TOTAL
  5.0.0     Multiannual term
            Commitments
                  1978       1979       1980         1981     1982        1983
Staff             94 000    270 000    290 000      310 000  330 000     175 000
Manag.            26 000     56 000     62 000       68 000   74 000      40 000
Contracts      1 500 000  3 000 000  1 000 000    1 000 000  505 000
     TOTAL     1 620 000  3 326 000  1 352 000    1 378 000  909 000     215 000
       to be defined later ( see remark 4«0. 1.1 .)
 ---pagebreak---        Payments
                                                                      1
               1978        1979        1980       1981        1982        1983
Staff          94 000      270 000     290 000  . 310 000     330 000   175 000
Manag.         26 000       56 000      62 000     68 000      74 000    40 000
Contracts     500 000    2 000 000   2 000 000  1 300 000   1 000 000   205 000
     TOTAL    620 000    2 326 000   2 352 000  1 678 000   1 404 000   420 000
 5.0. 1 . Evaluation method
      a) Staff expenditure
          The estimated staff required for this programme are :
          2A , IB , 1C for 6 months of 1978
          3A , IB , 1C for the remainder of the programme .
          In addition to staff number estimates , the evaluation takes account
          of the data of the Council Decision of 21.12.1976 , on the adaptation
          of salary of European Community staff and applicable correction coef­
          ficients adding to it - on a hypothetical basis - possible needs
          originating from the general evolution of prices in the Community.
          The rates adopted are those used for the calculation of the three-
          year foreoast 1978/1980.
      b ) Contracts expenditures
          Due to the nature of the subject and to the qualifications of the
          contractants , a uniform evaluation method cannot be established.
          In any case , the consultative Committee , provided for in the draft
          decision , will be consulted on the appropriation of the payments .
 5«1 . Incidence on the funds :
        - Community income tax on staff
        - Staff contribution for retirement fund
 6 . Funding aotion
 6.0
 6.1
 6.2
 6.3 » Funds to be included in future(s ) budget ( s )