GKN I and GKN II: Reactor containment pressure relief and measures against hydrogen energy release in case of severe accidents Original Research Article

The essential purpose of plant internal emergency measures is to maintain or restore core cooling or, if this should not succeed, to limit radioactive effects to the environment. The reactor containment pressure relief filter system for the two pressurised water nuclear power station facilities GKN I and GKN II is presented in the following paper, and the present status of discussions concerning preventive measures against hydrogen explosions within the containment is described. Filtered releases allow compliance with the requirements of the Overall Recommendations for Protection against Catastrophes in the Neighbourhood of Nuclear Facilities (GMBL, 1989, p. 71) as far as exposure to radiation in the vicinity of the plant is concerned, even in case of extremely improbable events lying beyond design limits (RSK, Reactor Safety Committee Recommendations, 273rd session, 9 December 1992).