Models Selected for Calculation of Doses, Health Effects and Economic Costs Due to Accidental Radionuclide Releases From Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Models are described for use in site-specific environmental consequence analysis of nuclear reactor accidents of Classes 3 through 9. The models presented relate radioactivity released to resulting doses, health effects, and costs of remedial actions. Specific models are presented for the major exposure pathways of airborne releases, waterborne releases and direct irradiation from activity within the facility buildings, such as the containment. Time-dependent atmospheric dispersion parameters, crop production parameters and other variable parameters are used in the models.

Guide to radiological accident considerations for siting and design of DOE nonreactor nuclear facilities

“…The finite plume model is preferred for most accident analysis cases where a puff release occurs and the lateral dimension of the cloud is limited by unfavorable meteorology. If a semi-infinite model is used, a "finite plume" correction factor should be applied to calculation of close-in doses (<10 km) (Strenge 1980). NRC recommendations contained in Regulatory Guide 3.33 (NRC 1977B) state that immersion dose to the whole body should be assumed at the 5-cm tissue depth (Strenge 1980).…”

“…If a semi-infinite model is used, a "finite plume" correction factor should be applied to calculation of close-in doses (<10 km) (Strenge 1980). NRC recommendations contained in Regulatory Guide 3.33 (NRC 1977B) state that immersion dose to the whole body should be assumed at the 5-cm tissue depth (Strenge 1980). ICRP 30 also uses an acceptable method of calculating immersion dose by the method of Poston and Snyder .…”

“…Dispersion of radionuclides into the aquatic environment can be estimated by the method of Regulatory Guide 1.113 NRC (1977C). Doses from ingestion of contaminated water have been calculated by several models; Regulatory Guide 1.109 (NRC 1977D), Strenge (1980), , and ICRP 30 (ICRP 1979) are examples.…”

“…At relatively short downwind distances, the semi-infinite model overestimates the dose for ground-level releases during stable meteorological conditions and underestimates the dose from eltvated releases. It is suggested that use of the semi-infinite cloud model be limited to calculations of dose beyond 10 km if the release is elevated or that a "finite" plume correction factor be applied to calculations of close-in doses (Strenge 1980). The finite plume model is preferred under most conditions and is available in several computer codes (RSAC-3, Wenzel 1982;SUB-DOSA, Strenge 1975).…”

“…For the purpose of calculating an immersion dose additive to whole-body dose from other sources, a dose at 5-cm tissue depth has been recommended (NBS 1954. Total body dose at 5cm tissue depth may be calculated from the surface dose as described by Strenge (1980). ICRP 30 calculates whole-body dose from immersion by a different method , which is also appropriate.…”