GB15146.3-2008
Nuclear criticality safety for fissile materials outside reactors - Part 3: Requirements for nuclear criticality safety in the storage of fissile materials
反应堆外易裂变材料的核临界安全 第3部分：易裂变材料贮存的核临界安全要求
GB 15146.3-2008 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Nuclear criticality safety for fissile materials outside reactors - Part 3: Requirements for nuclear criticality safety in the storage of fissile materials. It appears in the Construction compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Aug 1, 2009.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard specifies the basic requirements and limits for nuclear criticality safety during the storage of fissile materials outside reactors. It applies to the storage of various fissile materials, including uranium and plutonium metals, compounds, and solutions. It is mandatory for all facilities involved in the storage of fissile materials within China. The standard does not apply to the handling, processing, or transportation of these materials, which are covered by other parts of the GB 15146 series.
Technical requirements
The standard outlines comprehensive administrative and technical rules for safe storage. Facilities must establish approved written procedures, and storage equipment must be designed according to good engineering practices to withstand natural disasters like fires, floods, and earthquakes. Storage units must be encapsulated in watertight containers unless strict conditions are met. The standard defines specific storage unit limits based on material type, hydrogen-to-fissile atom ratio (H/X), and container wall thickness, categorizing units into Class I and Class II. It also details the rules for arranging these units into cubic or planar arrays, specifying minimum center-to-center distances and surface separations to maintain subcritical conditions. Engineers must ensure that the neutron multiplication factor remains below 0.95 under all foreseeable conditions. Additionally, it provides guidelines for high-enrichment fissile materials, requiring strict geometric controls and consideration of double-batching accidents.
Testing methods
The standard relies on validated computational methods and experimental data to establish subcritical limits. Key evaluation procedures include assessing the effects of moderation (e.g., water flooding or hydrogenous materials) and neutron reflection (e.g., concrete, water, or adjacent storage cells) on the storage array. Engineers must perform safety analyses for potential double-batching scenarios and water-flooding conditions. The standard also references the use of criticality accident alarm systems, which must be installed according to the specifications in GB 15146.9.
FAQs
What products and materials are regulated under GB 15146.3-2008?
The standard regulates the storage of fissile materials outside reactors, specifically detailing nuclear criticality safety requirements for storing uranium (U-233, U-235) and plutonium (Pu-239) in various forms such as metals, oxides, and solutions.
Are there any significant updates from the previous version of this standard?
Yes, this version replaces the older GB 15146.3-1994. The update includes the addition of a foreword, modifications and additions to certain critical limits, and a revision of auxiliary verbs from mandatory 'must' to 'should', 'ought to', or 'may' to better align operational requirements.
How does GB 15146.3-2008 handle criticality limits and international compatibility?
The standard establishes criticality limits based on validated computational methods and experimental data, ensuring the neutron multiplication factor (keff_) remains below 0.95. It is designed to be compatible with international nuclear criticality safety principles, utilizing water-reflected array calculations and specific geometric control measures.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 15146.3-2008. To ensure complete compliance for your nuclear facilities and fissile material storage operations entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 15146.3-2008 today to access all detailed mass and volume limits, array configuration tables, and comprehensive testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- F09
- ICS
- 27.120.30
- Competent department
- State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense
- Technical committee
- State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense
Relationships
Replaces:GB 15146.3-1994