MANAGING RISKS FROM PCB EQUIPMENT FAILURES IN A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

摘要

In electric power generating stations, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were used, traditionally, as dielectrics and hydraulic fluids in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors. Because of their fire retardant characteristics, they were used in locations in the plant where fire safety is critical. However. PCB fluids and their combustion products are considered to be carcinogens. Deleterious effects are possible to both the plant worker and the environment in the event of an uncontrolled PCB spill or extreme conditions that could cause PCB fires. In the 1970s and 1980s, legislation was passed and environmental regulations were promulgated which called for. among other things, the registration of PCB transformers, the reporting of PCB fire-related incidents to Federal authorities, and severe cleanup requirements to plant facility surfaces that were contaminated with PCBs and their combustion products - down to 10 micrograms PCB per 100 cm~2 of surface area. In view of the potential consequences of an incident, an analytical model was selected to deal with the management of the potential economic risks associated with the presence of PCB transformers in a capital intensive nuclear facility.