Feasibility studies of a soluble boron-free 900-MW(electric) PWR, safety systems: consequences of the partial or total elimination of soluble boron on plant safety and plant systems architecture

Abstract

A consistent study was conducted on the total or partial elimination of soluble boron within the framework of the French Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique/Nuclear Reactor Directorate/Innovation Program. Three options were considered including, maintaining the soluble boron during cold shutdown, soluble boron only for accident conditions, and total elimination of soluble boron. This article discusses the approach used to identify the motivations that guided the studies on soluble boron reduction or elimination, as well as the initial results.