Remote monitoring of nuclear power plants in Baden-Wuerttemberg

Wilbois, Thomas; Ren, Yi; Neff, U.; Scheuermann, Walter; Grimm, Christoph; Hagmann, M.

doi:10.1051/radiopro/20139915

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Consequently, local cultures of preparedness are also embedded in these systems. In 1989, the first version of the "ABR-KFÜ" decision-support system for nuclear emergency management (Wilbois et al, 2013) [51] developed by the IKE in cooperation with private companies was introduced in Baden-Württemberg. Being very innovative for that time, it reached the international spotlight (Figure 2).…”

Section: Technologies Of Preparednessmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

Ionescu

2020

Atmosphere

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Grounded in a social scientific research approach, the present case study traces the shift in the German nuclear regulatory culture from prevention to preparedness, the latter of which built upon decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. These systems integrate atmospheric dispersion models for tracing radioactive materials released accidentally from nuclear facilities. For atmospheric dispersion modelers and emergency managers, this article provides a critical historical perspective on the practical, epistemic, and organizational issues surrounding the use of decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. This perspective suggests that atmospheric dispersion models and technologies are embedded within an entire assemblage of institutions, technologies, and practices of preparedness, which are challenged by the uniqueness of each nuclear accident.

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Section: Technologies Of Preparednessmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

Ionescu

2020

Atmosphere

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“…They rely on computer models for simulating the atmospheric dispersion of radioactive trace species and estimating (or projecting) potential doses in the event of a radioactive release from a nuclear site. In Germany (Wilbois et al 2013), as in Japan (Chino et al 1993), such systems are part of the national emergency response apparatus, supporting experts and other members of emergency task forces in managing the radiological effects of nuclear accidents. In the wake of the accident, different official reports provided sometimes contrasting assessments of the way in which the SPEEDI and ERSS systems have been used during the Fukushima-Daiichi crisis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulation, Epistemic Opacity, and ‘Envirotechnical Ignorance’ in Nuclear Crisis

Ionescu

2018

Minds & Machines

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The Fukushima nuclear accident from 2011 provided an occasion for the public display of radiation maps (or dose projections) generated using decision-support systems for nuclear emergency management. Such systems rely on computer models for simulating the atmospheric dispersion of radioactive materials and estimating potential doses in the event of a radioactive release from a nuclear reactor. In Germany, as in Japan, such systems are part of the national emergency response apparatus and, in case of accidents, they can be used by emergency task forces for planning radioprotection countermeasures. In this context, the paper addresses the epistemology of dose projections by critically analyzing some of the sources of epistemic opacity and non-knowledge (or ignorance) affecting them, and the different methods and practices used by German radioprotection experts to improve their trustworthiness and reliability. It will be argued that dose projections are part of an entire radioprotection regime or assemblage built around the belief that the effects of nuclear accidents can be effectively mitigated thanks to the simulation technologies underlying different protocols and practices of nuclear preparedness. And, as the Fukushima experience showed, some of these expectations will not be met in real emergencies due to the inherent uncertainties entailed by the use of dose projections when planning protective countermeasures.

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Neff¹,

Müller²,

Mandel³

et al. 2014

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

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As part of its responsibilities as nuclear supervisory authority, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector Baden-Wuerttemberg (UM) operates a computer-based system for remote monitoring of nuclear power plants (NPPs) (KFUe, Kernreaktor-Fernüberwachung). In addition to the Baden-Wuerttemberg NPPs located at Philippsburg, Neckarwestheim and the disused Obrigheim, those in foreign locations close to the border area, i.e. Fessenheim in France, and Leibstadt and Beznau in Switzerland, are monitored. The KFUe system provides several methods to evaluate and present the measured data as well as to ensure compliance of threshold limits and safety objectives. For the UM, it serves as an instrument of the nuclear supervision. In case of a radioactive release, the authorities responsible for civil protection can use dispersion calculations in order to identify potentially affected areas and to initiate protective measures for the population. Beyond the data collected at the plant sites, various international radiation and meteorological measuring networks are integrated in the KFUe. The State Institute for Environment, Measurements and Nature Protection (LUBW), the technical operator of the KFUe, runs its own special monitoring network for ambient gamma dose rate and nuclide specific activity concentration measurements in the vicinity of each NPP. This article gives an overview of the solution to combine data of different sources on a single screen: dose rate networks, dose rate traces measured by car, airborne gamma spectra of helicopters, mobile dose rate probes, grid data of weather forecasts, dispersion calculations, etc.

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Remote monitoring of nuclear power plants in Baden-Wuerttemberg – From measurement to emergency protection

Cited by 3 publications

References 2 publications

From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

Simulation, Epistemic Opacity, and ‘Envirotechnical Ignorance’ in Nuclear Crisis

Remote monitoring of nuclear power plants in Baden-Wuerttemberg

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