Design Considerations cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

grouping or compartmentalizing process equipment to form units that can

isolate the process inventory into modular units;

the capability to detect leakage from process equipment; and

selection of the method (e.g., manual, remote-manual, or automatic) of

performing corrective actions (e.g., process shutdown) according to the

potential hazards associated with a particular release.

Design features that should be considered for maintenance of the confinement

systems include the following:

the use of electrical equipment that precludes or minimizes the

introduction of an ignition source in flammable or potentially flammable

locations;

support and protection systems (such as fire protection systems) that do

not promote the failure of the principal confinement systems; and

provisions for sprinklers, water fog, or other suitable systems within the

secondary confinement to provide for rapid heat removal and minimum

pressurization of the process cell or canyon and to minimize the loading

of ventilation system filters with combustion products.

Process equipment should be designed to operate under process conditions that

prevent or minimize the potential for explosive chemical reactions (e.g., solvent

vapor explosions, nitrate-solvent reactions). Process system design should

provide for all fission product oxidation states expected during processing (e.g.,

suppression of the volatilization of ruthenium or the prevention of iodate

formation).

Systems should be provided to reduce the likelihood and consequences of

pressurizing a primary confinement component as a result of an accident.

I-70