3 ms·
This is a somewhat scaremongering article, as it lacks a plausible scenario in which a meltdown would both occur and breach the containment. There is, apparent
by mannykannot 7y ago
This is a somewhat scaremongering article, as it lacks a plausible scenario in which a meltdown would both occur and breach the containment.
There is, apparently, a valid concern over control rods jamming, but there are two independent backup safety mechanisms: nitrogen injection and the release of boron beads into the core (both absorb neutrons.)[1] The plan, apparently, is to install 'super-articulated' control rods to mitigate the jamming risk.
[1] http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2017/ph241/barry2/docs/nks-rak2-96-tr-c2.pdf http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2017/ph241/barry2/docs/nks... p.21
- Analemma_ 7y agoDo you drive recklessly and avoid getting your brake pads replaced because "it's OK, I've got two independent backup safety mechanisms: seatbelts and airbags"? Backup safety mechanisms are not intended to allow you to operate the primary mechanism in a known unsafe state, they have a calculated reduction in failure likelihood based on the primary mechanism being in a working state, and those calculations go out the window if the primary mechanism is faulty.
- javagram 7y agoBut if they are planning to install a different type of control rod that won’t be jammed, isn’t that more like taking your car to the mechanic and getting the brake pads replaced and then feeling safe to drive it again?