ML20136G113

Requests Info Re Whether NRC Now Believes in Availability of Scientifically Accepted Principles & Methodologies for Calculating Probability of Steam Explosions within Reactor Pressure Vessel

ML20136G113
Person / Time
Issue date:	04/25/1985
From:	Asselstine J NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
To:	Dircks W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO)
Shared Package
ML20136F845	List: IA-85-448, Forwards Addl Info Re Steam Explosions.Plan to Resolve Steam Explosion Issue in 3 Yrs or Less Has Been Prepared.Plan Will Be Carried Out If Budget Adequate ML20136F841 ML20136F992 ML20136F998 ML20136G101 ML20136G107 ML20136G113 ML20137D259 ML20137D295
References
FOIA-85-448 NUDOCS 8506250500
Download: ML20136G113 (1)

Text

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UNITED STATES h,

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WASHINGTON. D.c. 20655 e

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April 25, 1985 OFFIC'i OF THE COMMISSIONER MEMORANDUM FOR:

William J. Dircks Executive Director for Operations FROM:

James K. Asselstine

SUBJECT:

STEAM EXPLOSIONS A ma,ior consideration in the severe accident risks is the potential for a steam explosion within the reactor pressure vessel to generate missiles that might breach the containment and allow early release of fission products. Over the last year or so, I have been told that 'ere is a growing consensus that this failure mode of t; containment

' a ve c 1:w probability.

I would appreciate learning *%=e staff now b 'ieves ve e are scientifically accept'ed principles an: tra r - -

t es for cciculi m ;:

that probability.

If there are, does the ste to putlir ce bases for calculating the. cbability in en archiv3 :, ;-

viewee ai before making use of ' nat probability? If inere ot, whe a ctaff believe a justifiable asis for calculating the pr

bility w ce available?

cc: Chairran Palladino CO rissioner Roberts Corrir icne-Bernth Commin :ner Zech OPE OGC SECY ACRS

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