3 ms·
I would say it's technically correct. They have lost primary and backup power to the pumps. This means they really don't have the ability to do much about the p
by epochwolf 16y ago
I would say it's technically correct. They have lost primary and backup power to the pumps. This means they really don't have the ability to do much about the pressure right now. The reactor is basically running uncontrolled. They've been scrammed but it takes a long time to stop the reaction. They still have emergency options available like venting the primary coolant loop if the pressure gets too close the limits of the reactor. There is still plenty of time before the reactors go critical.
- dmfdmf 16y agoMy details may be off (its been over 10 years) but the post scram core needs to be cooled with forced coolant for something like 30-40 hours. After that it can be cooled by boil off (assuming no core damage) but the down side is radiation release mostly due to neutron activated nitrogen dissolved in the coolant water (which dissipates in 36 hours or so).
- epochwolf 16y agoYeah, I meant the control rods are all in. This is a potentially dangerous suitation but there is time to still get the reators under control. I doubt the worse case would be a meltdown because you could open the primary loop and stick a hose I it. Edit: this is a good explaination http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_Water_Reactor_Safety_Systems http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_Water_Reactor_Safety_Sy...