Specifics of Passive Fire Protection for Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Passive fire protection systems (elements) are the most preferred for use to ensure nuclear and radiation safety of the nuclear power plants in case of internal and external fires. The main passive fire protection systems (elements) of the nuclear power plants include: fire-resistant structures (walls, ceilings, columns, screens, etc.); fire-resistant sealing of penetrations (technological, electrical, ventilation, etc.); fire-resistant filling of openings in fire barriers (doors, gates, dampers, airlocks, etc.); structural fire protection; fire-resistant coatings; devices for emergency draining and self-extinguishing of flammable liquids. Among them, it is possible to distinguish both systems (elements) that perform the function only of fire protection (for example, fire-resistant coatings, fire dampers for ventilation systems), and the systems (elements) that perform other basic functions that also require fire protection (for example, building structures, sealed doors). Passive systems (elements) may simultaneously be subject to the requirements for protection against fire, other internal and external influences (flooding, flying objects, explosions, etc.), as well as the operational requirements specific to the nuclear power plants (resistance to radiation-ionizing radiation, decontaminating compositions, vibrations, high temperatures, etc.). Due to the complex nature of the requirements, a certain imperfection of the regulatory framework and processes for organizing design and construction in the nuclear industry, there is a certain shortage of products for the implementation of passive fire protection solutions that meet the necessary requirements. To solve the above problems in the field of passive fire protection of the nuclear power plants, it seems appropriate to organize work in the following areas: conducting research based on the Russian and international experience; development of the regulatory framework; improvement of the design and construction processes. The work in these areas could contribute to the early saturation of the Russian market with domestic products of passive fire protection, as a result, increase the level of safety and economic efficiency of the nuclear power plants.