• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.175-183
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• 2023

Background: Recently, biological adsorbents have been developed for removing radionuclides from radioactive liquid waste due to their high selectivity, eco-friendliness, and renewability. However, since they can be damaged by radiation in radioactive waste, a method for estimating the bio-adsorbent performance as a time should consider the radiation damages in terms of their renewability. This paper aims to develop a simulation method that applies a deep learning technique to rapidly and accurately estimate the adsorption performance of bio-adsorbents when inserted into liquid radioactive waste. Materials and Methods: A model that describes various interactions between a bio-adsorbent and liquid has been constructed using numerical methods to estimate the adsorption capacity of the bio-adsorbent. To generate datasets for machine learning, Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations were conducted while considering radioactive concentrations in the adsorbent column. Results and Discussion: Compared with the result of the conventional method, the proposed method indicates that the accuracy is in good agreement, within 0.99% and 0.06% for the R² score and mean absolute percentage error, respectively. Furthermore, the estimation speed is improved by over 30 times. Conclusion: Note that an artificial neural network can rapidly and accurately estimate the survival rate of a bio-adsorbent from radiation ionization compared with the MCNP simulation and can determine if the bio-adsorbents are reusable.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.130-137
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• 2022

In the geological repository of radioactive nuclear waste, anaerobic corrosion can generate hydrogen, and may conservatively lead to the production of hydrogen-air layer. The accumulated hydrogen may cause a hazardous flame propagation resulting from any potential ignition sources. This study numerically investigates the processes of ignition and flame propagation in the layered mixture. Simple geometry was chosen to represent the geological repository, and reactive flow simulations were performed with different ignition power, energy, and locations. The simulation results revealed the effects of power and energy of ignition source, which were also analyzed theoretically. The mechanism of layered flame propagation was suggested, which includes three stages: propagation into the hydrogen area, downward propagation due to the product gas, and horizontal propagation along the top wall. To investigate the effect of the ignition source location, simulations with eight different positions were performed, and the boundary of hazardous ignition area was identified. The simulation results were also explained through scaling analysis. This study evaluates the potential risk of the accumulated hydrogen in geological repository, and illustrates the layered flame propagation in related ignition scenarios.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.67-83
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• 2018

We have hypothesized that nuclear risk is significantly inversely related to the distance from residences to nuclear power plants and that the level of life satisfaction of residents therefore increases with the distance. We empirically explore the relationship between Ulsan citizens' life satisfaction levels and the distance between their residences and the Kori and Wolsong nuclear power plants (NPP) based on the life satisfaction approach (LSA). The dataset we used covers only Ulsan citizens from the biennial Ulsan Statistics on Citizen's Living Condition and Consciousness of 2014 and 2016. Controlling for micro-variables such as education, work satisfaction, gender, marital status, and expenditures, we found a statistically significant relationship between life satisfaction and the distance between the residences and the nuclear power plants. Nuclear negative externalities including (i) health and environmental impact, (ii) radioactive waste disposal, and (iii) the effect of severe accidents can be quantified in terms of LS units and monetary units. We were able to calculate the monetary value of NPP externalities at $277 per kilometer of distance for Kori and $280 per kilometer of distance for Wolsong at constant 2015 prices. These estimates are quite different from the traditional estimates made with the contingent valuation method, whereas they are similar to the findings of LSA studies abroad. Hence, the need to adopt the LSA in South Korea and policy implications are demonstrated.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.243-253
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• 2022

Spent filters with a high radiation dose rate of 2 mSv·hr^-1 or more are not easily managed. So far, the Korean policy for spent filter disposal is to store them temporarily at nuclear power plants until the waste filters can be easily managed. Nuclear power plant decommissioning in Korea is starting with Kori unit 1. Volume reduction of waste generated during decommissioning can reduce the cost and optimize the space usage at disposal site. Therefore, efficient volume reduction is a very important factor during the decommissioning process. A conceptual method, based on the experiences of developing 200 and 800 ton compactors at Orion EnC, has been developed considering worker exposure with the followings a crusher (upgrade of compaction efficiency), an automatic dose measuring system with a NaI(Tl) detector, a shield box, an inner drum to prepare for easy handling of drums and packaging, a 30 ton compactor, and an automatic robot system. This system achieves a volume reduction ratio of up to 85.7%; hence, the system can reduce the disposal cost and waste volume. It can be applied to other types of wastes that are not easily managed due to high dose rates and remote control operation necessity.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.219-227
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• 2015

방사성폐기물의 처리와 관리는 원자력을 이용하는 국가들이 반드시 해결해야 하는 중요한 문제이다. 오늘날 동 사안에 대해서는 극소수의 국가들만이 실질적인 진척이 있으며, 그 중 프랑스의 관련 정책이 대표적인 성공 사례로 평가되고 있다. 한국의 경우에 있어서도 방사성폐기물의 관리에 대한 적절한 정책의 준비가 필요하며, 이에 프랑스 법제화 접근법을 적용하자는 제안들이 있다. 동 연구는 그 적용성 검토를 위해 방사성폐기물의 관리와 관련된 두 나라의 기술 현황 및 사회정책적 지표를 비교하였으며, 자원 재활용과 사회적 수용성 증진 전략 측면에서 프랑스식 법제화 모델을 반영하는 것이 바람직하다고 판단한다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.1234-1243
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• 2024

The pressing need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions has stimulated a renewed interest in nuclear energy worldwide. However, while numerous countries have shown interest in nuclear power over the course of history, many of them have not continued their pursuit and chosen to defer or abandon their peaceful nuclear power projects. Scrapping a national nuclear power program after making initial efforts implies significant challenges in such a course or a waste of national resources. Therefore, this study aims to identify the crucial factors that influence a country's decision to terminate or hold off its peaceful nuclear power programs. Our empirical analyses demonstrate that major nuclear accidents and leadership changes are significant factors that lead countries to terminate or defer their nuclear power programs. Additionally, we highlight that domestic politics (democracy), lack of military alliance with major nuclear suppliers, low electricity demand, and national energy security environments (energy import, crude oil price) can hamper a country's possibility of regaining interest in a nuclear power program after it has been scrapped, suspended, or deferred. The findings of this study have significant implications for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector as they strive to balance the competing demands of energy security, and environmental sustainability.

• 한국언론정보학보
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• 제26권
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• pp.157-208
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• 2004

본 연구는 2003년도 중요란 국책사업의 하나로서 첨예한 사회적 갈등이 나타났던 핵폐기장 유치 이슈를 텔레비전 뉴스보도가 어떠한 시각에서 다루고 해석, 평가함으로써 이슈에 대한 성격을 어떻게 규정하고 있는지 살펴보고자 하였다. 이를 위해 본 연구는 핵폐기장 유치선언이 있던 2003년 7월 11일부터 유치 재검토가 발표된 12월 10일까지 5개월 동안 보도된 핵폐기장 유치이슈에 대한 KBS, MBC 저녁종합뉴스의 전국 및 지역(전북지역) 뉴스에 대한 프레임분석을 실시하였다. 분석결과 중요한 국책사업으로서 사회적 논란이 많았던 핵폐기장 유치 이슈는 길 등의 원인과 해결보다는 주민들의 시위와 사회적 혼란만 부각시키는 양상을 보였다. 따라서 갈등의 근본원인이자 이슈의 보다 본질적인 사안이라 할 수 있는 선정 절차상의 정당성 문제라든가 위도지역의 지질 적합성, 안전성 문제, 에너지 정책 등의 문제는 제대로 다루어지지 않았다. 결국 텔레비전 뉴스보도에서 핵폐기장 유치이슈는 국가정책적 이슈라기보다는 지역 내 집단간 분쟁으로 그 성격이 규정되고 있음을 알 수 있다.

• 한국방사성폐기물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국방사성폐기물학회 2005년도 춘계 학술대회
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• pp.56-66
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• 2005

In response to the increasing emphasis being placed on the importance of international cooperation as part of global efforts to cope with growing non proliferation, and security, concerns in the nuclear field, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, appointed an international group of experts to consider possible multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle. The mandate of the Expert Group was three fold: ${\bullet}$ To identify and provide an analysis of issues and options relevant to multilateral approaches to the front and back ends of the nuclear fuel cycle; ${\bullet}$ To provide an overview of the policy, legal, security, economic, institutional and technological incentives and disincentives for cooperation in multilateral arrangements for the front and back ends of the nuclear fuel cycle; and ${\bullet}$ To provide a brief review of the historical and current experiences and analyses relating to multilateral fuel cycle arrangements relevant to the work of the Expert Group. The overall purpose was to assess MNAs in the framework of a double objective: strengthening the international nuclear non proliferation regime and making the peaceful uses of nuclear energy more economical and attractive. The Group identifies options for MNAs - options in terms of policy, institutional and legal factors - for those parts of the nuclear fuel cycle of greatest sensitivity from the point of view of proliferation risk. It also reflects the Groups deliberations on the corresponding benefits and disadvantages (pros and cons) of the various options and approaches. Although the Expert Group was able to agree to forward the resulting report to the Director General, it is important to note that the report does not reflect agreement by all of the experts on any of the options, nor a consensus assessment of their respective value. It is intended only to present options for MNAs, and to reflect on the range of considerations which could impact on the desirability and feasibility of those options.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.143-151
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• 2009

최근 미-북간 관계 개선 등으로 인하여 북핵 문제가 핵 검증단계로 진전될 것이라는 예상이 나오고 있다. 이제부터 우리 정부는 북핵 프로그램의 성공적 검증 폐기를 위해, 북한의 신고 후 전개될 상황에 대비하여 철저히 준비해야 한다. 본 논문에서는 구 소련과 이라크의 대량살상무기 검증 폐기 사례로부터 두 나라의 대량살상무기 검증 폐기 과정에서 발생한 문제점을 조사 분석하여, 북핵 검증 폐기 과정 시 발생할 수 있는 문제점을 파악하고 이를 방지하기 위한 정책적 고려사항을 도출하는데 목적을 두었다.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.235-243
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• 2016

우리나라를 포함한 많은 국가들에서 향후 원전 해체로 저준위폐기물이 대량으로 발생할 전망이다. 본 논문에서는 미국의 저준위방사성폐기물 처분 관련 규제 기준을 분석하고, 특히 원자력발전소의 운영 및 해체를 포함하는 전주기에서 발생하는 폐기물의 처분 옵션을 확장하는 방안으로 사용되고 있는 저준위방사성폐기물의 블랜딩에 대해 검토하였다. 2007년 미국 NRC는 미국 저준위폐기물 관리 프로그램에 대한 전략분석 결과, 방사선위험도와 성능평가에 기반한 새로운 저준위폐기물 관리 규제의 필요성을 제기하였는데, 특히 방사성핵종 농도가 다른 폐기물의 블랜딩을 처분에 대한 옵션을 다양화할 수 있는 안전한 방안으로 제시하였다. NRC는 블랜딩을 처분에 적합하도록 방사성핵종의 농도가 다른 저준위폐기물을 비교적 균일하게 혼합(mixing)하는 것으로 정의하였다. 2015년 2월 농도 평균과 포장에 대한 NRC BTP의 개정판으로 공표된 블랜딩에 대한 구체적인 기술요건을 분석하였고 국내 해체폐기물에 대한 적용 방안도 예시하였다. 대량으로 발생할 해체폐기물에 대해 블랜딩과 농도평균을 적용하면 처분 효율성을 향상시킬 수 있다. 바이오쉴드 콘크리트에 대한 농도평균 적용에 대해 예시하였다.