DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 5
Scenario Description - The 10-160B HAZOP 56 postulated a LOC of the waste material in the WHB
(CUR, Hot Cell, Transfer Cell, or RH Bay). Twenty hazardous events (1B-6, 4D-1, 4F-1, 4G-1, 4H-1,
5BD-1, 5CE-1, 5CE-2, 9-5, 9AC-1, 10A-1, 10B-1, 10BF-1, 11D-3, 11F-1, 12E-1, 12E-2, 12E-3, 12E-4,
and 14B-1) were postulated that could result in a LOC of the waste material in the WHB. The LOC
event could cause a significant release of radioactivity.
The events are grouped so that similar events are treated together. Each group will have similar
consequences and the consequences for the group as a whole are determined by the most severe of the
hazardous events within each group. Note that although the hazardous events in each group may have
similar consequences, the frequency of the events in the group may vary. Where the events in a group
have different frequencies, the consequences for the group (determined by the most severe event) are
compared to the appropriate guidelines for each frequency range contained within the group. This will
ensure that the most severe consequences are evaluated against the most limiting evaluation criteria. To
simplify the discussion, the groups within the NC3 category are numbered NC3-A, NC3-B, etc.
The general assumptions related to the training, operations and maintenance practices at WIPP that apply
to all of the individual LOC event frequency analyses. The following assumptions are used in this
analysis:
C
WIPP equipment operators are highly skilled and extensively trained in their duties. The operators
are highly competent and reliable in the performance of waste handling operations.
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
WIPP maintenance programs, especially related to cranes, hoists, and forklifts, is extensive and
intended to provide better than average reliability.
WIPP procedures require pre-operational checks of all waste handling equipment to verify correct
performance at the beginning of each shift.
The 140/25-ton crane and the Hot Cell crane are similar in design, operation and maintenance to
the TRUDOCK crane and, therefore, have a similar reliability.
If a waste drum is placed in a facility canister and the canister is not sealed and left in the Hot Cell
awaiting the next 10-160B cask processing, there is no activity that would place the waste drum at
risk of being impacted or punctured.
No more than 208 10-160B casks are processed through the RH Bay in one year
No more than 693 facility canisters containing waste drums from 10-160B casks are processed
through the Hot Cell in one year
No more than 2080 waste drums from 10-160B casks are processed through the Hot Cell in one
year
Procedures are in place to limit the movement of compressed gas cylinders while 10-160B casks
are present in the RH Bay
Procedures are in place to limit vehicle movement while 10-160B casks are present in the RH Bay
NC3 - Airborne Release Fraction
The two types of accident stresses in the LOC in the Hot Cell and RH Bay accident scenarios are; impact
stresses due to dropping and impact stresses due to puncture. Both types of stresses have the same
potential for generating airborne releases.
5.2-52 January 22, 2003