Output details

Modelling the mitigation of hydrogen deflagrations in a nuclear waste silo ullage by depleting the oxygen concentration with nitrogen

Hydrogen explosions have the potential to release radioactive inventories during nuclear decommissioning operations at Sellafield. Various strategies for hazard reduction have been proposed and identifying the most effective strategy from a large range of options is imperative but enormously complex. As part of the continuing decommissioning design process, this output was used by Sellafield in assessing the effectiveness of one hydrogen management strategy and helped to shape opinion within Sellafield as to the efficacy of oxygen depletion in a realistic storage-silo geometry. This output has contributed to saving Sellafield £550 million.

Verification: Dr Martin Fairclough, Sellafield Ltd. Telephone: 01925833104. martin.p.fairclough@sellafieldsites.com