Analysis of explosion incidents in nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities and recommendations for their prevention

Abstract

Human society endeavors to harness nuclear energy for peaceful utilization, intertwining it with global strategies to address pressing issues such as energy demand, environmental preservation, and energy infrastructure optimization. However, the proliferation of nuclear power plants has resulted in the accumulation of spent fuel, amounting a staggering 7000 tons per annum. Therefore, the safe reprocessing of spent fuel has emerged as a critical aspect of sustainable nuclear energy development. The repercussions of an explosion within a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility can be calamitous, potentially leading to radioactive emissions and triggering a nuclear incident. This review scrutinizes the lessons learned from 18 historical explosion incidents at nuclear facilities to meticulously identify their underlying causes and ramifications. We sorted the incidents based on the time of the accident and found that the generation of energetic materials in a limited space was the main cause of the explosions. Six accidents were “red oil explosions,” one of which was identified as a grade 6 nuclear accident. The use of organic solvents with chemical stability must be considered to avoid a red oil explosion. In addition, the findings emphasize the severe risk of chemical explosions during fuel reprocessing. Critical actions for ensuring the safe reprocessing of nuclear fuel include providing parameter control and equipment maintenance for evaporative units, ensuring an effective cooling system for high-level waste storage equipment, preventing the inadvertent desiccation of nitric acid substances within storage facilities, and mitigating human error through training and process design. A scrutinization of typical explosion incidents in nuclear chemical plants can support the development of viable and effective preventive measures, thereby reducing the potential risks associated with explosions.