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May 1999 - Armenia
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Kazakhstan
- Lithuania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- Ukraine
- United States
- Cross-Cutting Activities
- Events in Progress
- Planned Activities
- Previous Activity Reports



The May Activity Report documents safety improvements achieved in late April and May at Soviet-designed nuclear power plants through U.S. and host-country cooperation. To request a hard-copy version or to provide comments or suggestions, send an e-mail message to andrea.currie@pnl.gov.

Highlight of the Month

Module Manufacturing Technology Transferred to Lithuania: Ignalina Operating Safety to Improve

During May, the Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility in Vilnius, Lithuania, successfully completed the manufacture of 200 electronic modules for Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP). The modules will replace worn or malfunctioning modules installed in the original Ignalina Unit 2 electronic control-and-protection system, helping enhance system reliability. Increased reliability of this important system translates to increased operating safety for Ignalina NPP until the plant can be shut down permanently.

The level of operational safety for Ignalina NPP is being raised after technology for manufacturing control system component replacements was transferred to Lithuania.

In 1996, Ignalina managers requested U.S. support in replacing some of the plant’s aging control-and-protection system modules. The original modules were experiencing a high failure rate. Because spare parts no longer were available, plant maintenance staff were forced to scavenge components from previously failed units to keep the installed modules functioning.

The U.S. team responded by collaborating with Ignalina NPP management to devise a plan for providing the plant with replacement modules. The plan also called for transferring the capability for module manufacture to a Lithuanian enterprise.

Accomplishing these objectives required the cooperation of an international team with multiple players and expertise.

First, Ignalina specialists specified the design criteria for the replacement modules. Using those criteria, NUS Instruments, a subsidiary of Scientech, Inc., designed a replacement module with the same form, fit, and function as the original but using modern technology. NUS delivered 100 of the electronic modules in May 1998 after U.S. and Ignalina plant specialists conducted quality assurance tests on the units. In preparation for conducting those quality assurance tests, Ignalina specialists had received specialized training in quality assurance procedures in spring 1997. Colandrea and Associates conducted that training.

Scientech and NUS Instruments then worked with a Lithuanian company, the Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility, to develop that company’s ability to produce 200 additional modules. With technical assistance of NUS specialists, the center established a quality assurance program to ensure consistent quality throughout the module manufacturing process. In addition, center specialists developed environmentally controlled work spaces in which to assemble and test the electronic modules.

In May, the Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility in Vilnius, Lithuania, shipped 200 electronic modules to replace aging components in the control-and-protection system for Ignalina Unit2.

By the end of May, the role of the U.S. team in this work was finished. With manufacture complete, workers at the Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility shipped the modules to the Ignalina plant. There, Ignalina technical staff are installing the new modules into the Unit 2 control-and-protection system as needed. And, with its newly acquired capabilities, the Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility is well positioned to meet future needs for replacement modules for Ignalina and, potentially, for the other RBMK reactors in Russia and Ukraine. (Norman Fletcher, DOE, 301-903-3275; Ron Wright, PNNL, 509-372-4076)

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Russia

Training Course for Control Room Reactor Operators Implemented at Leningrad. Leningrad nuclear power plant (NPP) now offers a training course developed specifically for its control room reactor operators. Training specialists from Sonalysts, Inc., collaborated with Balakovo and Leningrad NPP trainers May 10 through 21 to finalize the learning materials and implement the course at the Leningrad plant. The Control Room Reactor Operator course is the second to be implemented at Leningrad NPP as part of the U.S. effort to transfer training technology to nuclear power plants in Russia. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

Kola Implements Maintenance Course. With technical assistance of training specialists from Balakovo NPP, Sonalysts, Inc., and Human Performance Analysis Corporation, Kola NPP training staff implemented a course during May on motor-operated valves for plant maintenance workers. During May 10 through 21, the Kola training staff finalized the instructional materials and presented the course for the first time. This is the second course to be implemented at Kola NPP as part of the U.S. transfer of training technology to Russia’s nuclear power plants. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

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Ukraine

Ukrainian Organizations Participate in Project Management Workshop. Staff members from organizations involved with Ukraine’s nuclear industry became students for five days in May at a workshop held in Kyiv. Twelve staff from Ukraine’s Nuclear Power Plant Operational Support Institute (NPP OSI) and two from the State Scientific and Technical Center (SSTC) were participants in a workshop on project management tools and techniques. The SSTC specialists participated because they often collaborate on engineering projects with NPP OSI staff. Topics covered during the week included essentials of project management and the use of Microsoft Project to manage technical projects.

U.S. specialists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted the workshop May 17 through 21 at the Nondestructive Examination Training Center at Kyiv University. The workshop was part of a larger U.S. team effort to enhance the effectiveness of technical and scientific tasks performed by the NPP OSI for Energoatom and the nuclear power plant sites in Ukraine. The NPP OSI handled all arrangements for logistics and facilities.

The NPP OSI is implementing its strategic plan for operational safety infrastructure in Ukraine. The strategic plan includes developing staff and facilities to provide engineering services to Energoatom in support of design changes, evaluations of nuclear power plant events and design deficiencies, and improvements in operating methods at the nuclear power plants. Improved project management at the NPP OSI will establish capabilities critical to in-country management of engineering projects. (Dennis Meyers, DOE, 301-903-1418; Lief Erickson, PNNL, 509-372-4097)

Rivne Implements New Training Course. Training specialists from Sonalysts, Inc., and the Engineering and Technical Center for the Training of Nuclear Industry Personnel collaborated on-site with Rivne training staff to finalize learning materials and implement the Unit Shift Supervisor training course at the plant. Training specialists from Khmelnytskyy, South Ukraine, and Zaporizhzhya NPPs participated as observers of the May 3 through 14 implementation, as did a representative of Human Performance Analysis Corporation. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

Radiation Worker Training Program Being Transferred to Chornobyl Shelter. Personnel who work in the Chornobyl Shelter soon will undergo radiation safety training tailored specifically to their unique work environment. In mid-May, a U.S. specialist from Human Performance Analysis Corporation collaborated with training and technical personnel from the Shelter and the Slavutych Laboratory for International Research and Technology on efforts to transfer the Radiation Worker training program to the Chornobyl site. The program initially was developed and taught at Balakovo and Khmelnytskyy NPPs. Using the Systematic Approach to Training methodology, the Shelter and Slavutych Laboratory specialists are modifying the program’s instructional materials to address workplace hazards specific to the Chornobyl Shelter. When the modifications are complete, Shelter personnel will train workers assigned to the Shelter, increasing the safety of ongoing Shelter activities. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; George Vargo, PNNL, 509-375-6836)

Steering Committee Reviews Status of Safety Parameter Display System Projects. The steering committee for the safety parameter display system (SPDS) projects at Ukrainian nuclear power plants met in Kyiv May 18 through 20. The discussions focused on the status and plans for the first six SPDSs under development for Ukraine’s VVER-1000 reactors.

The SPDS assists control room and other plant technical personnel in evaluating plant safety status by providing continuous displays of the values of safety parameters. These computer-screen displays help operators to rapidly detect abnormal operating conditions. Following the initial detection of an abnormal plant condition, the SPDS can aid the operators in analyzing and diagnosing the cause of the abnormality and in monitoring plant response.

Organizations participating in the three-day meeting included Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc., Westinghouse Electric Company, and Westron. Ukrainian participants included the Nuclear Power Plant Operational Support Institute, Energoatom, the Nuclear Regulatory Administration, the National Agency of Ukraine for Development and Integration into Europe, and South Ukraine, Khmelnytskyy, Zaporizhzhya, and Rivne NPPs. Project managers from the U.S. Department of Energy and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory represented the U.S. team.

Key items discussed included
  • post-site acceptance test activities at Khmelnytskyy Unit 1
  • pre-site acceptance testing activities at Zaporizhzhya Unit 5
  • preparations for the factory acceptance test at Kharkiv for the South Ukraine Unit 1 SPDS
  • installation status and plans for SPDSs at South Ukraine Unit 2, Rivne Unit 3, and Zaporizhzhya Unit 3
  • value-added tax exemptions.

Steering committee members also discussed how to maintain project schedule and contain project costs. They determined that the overall effort to install 11 SPDSs in all Ukrainian VVER-1000s is on schedule. However, completing installation of the third system (South Ukraine Unit 1) by July 20 will be a challenge because of delays in Customs clearance and shipping. The committee developed a procedure that is expected to reduce this time.

The first SPDS was installed in Khmelnytskyy Unit 1 in March 1999. The second system, in Zaporizhzhya Unit 5, will undergo site acceptance testing before mid-July. The U.S. team plans to have the first six systems installed by the end of December 1999. At that time, three of the remaining five systems will be on order so they can be installed in 2000. The final two systems will be ordered in 2000 for installation during 2001. (Norman Fletcher, DOE, 301-903-3275; Frank Panisko, PNNL, 509-372-4472)

Ukrainian Analysts Train on CONTAIN. The use and application of the CONTAIN computer code was presented at the Taras Shevchenko State University in Kyiv during the week of May 17.

The purpose of the course was to provide Ukrainian analysts with the capability and an analytical tool for quantifying loads (pressure and temperature) and containment effectiveness during accident conditions in nuclear power plants. The CONTAIN code, developed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is used widely for such analyses.

Argonne National Laboratory organized the CONTAIN course in support of the in-depth safety assessment projects for VVER reactor units in Ukraine. Experts from the Institute for Electricity/Nuclear Engineering (VIEKI) of Budapest, Hungary, served as course instructors. University of Maryland professor Dr. Kazys Almenas, an international authority on analysis of nuclear power plant containment, led the course.

Twenty-two Ukrainian analysts/engineers from nuclear power plants and technical organizations participated in the course. Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, South Ukraine, and Zaporizhzhya NPPs each sent personnel to the course. Ukrainian technical centers represented included the International Chornobyl Center/Slavutych Laboratory, Energoproekt offices in Kyiv and Kharkiv, Energoatom, Joint Stock Enterprise-EIS, the NPP OSI, and Energorisk, Ltd.(Walter Pasedag, DOE, 301-903-3628; Christian Kot, ANL, 630-252-6151)

Agreement Reached on Rivne Work Scope. In late April, specialists at Rivne NPP and its Ukrainian subcontractor, Energorisk, reached agreement with the U.S. team on the scope of work for verifying Rivne’s symptom-based emergency operating instructions. The agreement was reached during a project review meeting held in Ukraine the week of April 26. U.S. specialists from Argonne National Laboratory and Scientech, Inc., worked with the Rivne team to specify the details involved in performing the thermal-hydraulic analyses needed to verify the symptom-based emergency operating instructions under development for the plant. The analyses will provide the technical basis for ensuring that the new instructions will significantly improve the operating safety of Rivne NPP. (Walter Pasedag, DOE, 301-903-3628; Charles Dickerman, ANL, 630-252-4622)

Key Database Completed for Rivne Safety Assessment. On May 12, specialists from Rivne NPP and Energorisk completed work on a database of abnormal events and incidents for the twin VVER-440 reactors, Rivne Units 1 and 2. The database consists of 20 reactor-years of data from the two reactors, plus selected data on VVERs published by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The database will provide key information needed to identify and analyze the relative risks at Rivne’s twin reactors. (Walter Pasedag, DOE, 301-903-3628; Charles Dickerman, ANL, 630-252-4622)

Rivne Probabilistic Risk Assessment To Begin. Rivne NPP specialists are beginning their work on the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) for the plant. On May 17, Rivne signed the task order with the U.S. team to complete the PRA for Unit 1. The Level 1 analysis will provide technical basis to show where resources should be directed to obtain effective improvements in the safety of Rivne’s twin VVER-440 reactors, Units 1 and 2. For example, this activity will provide timely input to the Rivne thermal-hydraulic analyses to support validation of the new symptom-based emergency operating procedures at Rivne Units 1 and 2. The PRA for Rivne will be the first Ukrainian PRA for a VVER-440 plant. (Walter Pasedag, DOE, 301-903-3628; Charles Dickerman, ANL, 630-252-4622)

Report on Capacity Factor Improvement Reviewed. A panel reviewed a report on improving the capacity factor of Rivne Unit 3. Representatives of Energoatom, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Energy composed the panel, which met in Kyiv on April 20. The panel expressed its satisfaction with the recommendations in the report.

Improving the capacity factor of Ukraine’s 11 VVER-1000 reactors could result in an additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity generated for Ukraine’s electrical grid. Energoatom selected Rivne Unit 3 as the pilot plant for this study. The report, prepared by Rizzo and Associates and BC International, contains some 52 recommendations for improvements.

Improvements in outage efficiency and in plant thermal efficiency are the key sources of the increased energy generation. An example of the thermal efficiency techniques proposed is an air in-leakage test. The test will be performed at Rivne Unit 3 during the next scheduled refueling outage in September. By determining the sources of vacuum leaks, the test and repairs are expected to lead to a 5-megawatt gain in electricity generated. (Rich Reister, DOE, 301-903-0234; Bob Talbert, PNNL, 509-372-4061)

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Cross-Cutting Activities

Nuclear Power Plant Physical Security Issues Assessed. During May, U.S. specialists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory completed a Congressionally mandated assessment of physical security at nuclear power plants in four host countries. Through site visits in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine, as well as interviews with key representatives of host-country and international organizations, the U.S. team obtained information on the status of procedures and measures in place at the nuclear power plants. From the assessment results, specialists concluded that upgrades in physical security are needed at the plants in Armenia, Russia, and Ukraine. However, they determined that U.S.-provided improvements to Kazakhstan are adequate to address physical security at that country’s Aktau NPP.

In a related activity, personnel badging systems for Khmelnytskyy and Zaporizhzhya NPPs were delivered to Energoatom. The utility formally accepted the badging hardware in early May. The final delivery, installation, and on-site training are planned for mid-June. (Grigory Trosman, DOE, 301-903-3581; Dan Couch, PNNL, 509-372-6415)

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Events in Progress

Activities listed here still were under way as of press time. Reports on their completion will appear in next month’s issue of the Activity Report.

May 17-28 -- Kursk NPP, Russia

Training. U.S. training experts from Sonalysts, Inc., and Human Performance Analysis Corporation are working with Kursk NPP trainers to complete final preparations and implement a plant-specific training course, Motor-Operated Valves. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

May 24-28 -- Almaty, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Nuclear Safety Infrastructure Support. U.S. safety experts from Argonne National Laboratory are co-conducting a workshop with counterparts from the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA) in Almaty. The safety experts are reviewing the safety analysis report for packaging of BN-350 failed fuel. In addition to the careful review of the analysis, the Kazakhstani attendees are receiving training on the methods for safety analysis review in the United States. Attendees are from several Kazakhstani nuclear organizations, including the KAEA, the Nuclear Technology Safety Center, the National Nuclear Center, and the BN-350 reactor at Aktau NPP. (George Imel, ANL-West, 208-533-7559)

May 24-28 -- Waterford, Connecticut, USA

Training. U.S. training experts from Sonalysts, Inc., and Human Performance Analysis Corporation are attending an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting on the training of nuclear power plant personnel on soft skills. The meeting is being held at the Northeast Utilities Millstone Training Center. The U.S. trainers will share experiences gained while working on training projects as part of the U.S. effort to improve safety at Soviet-designed nuclear power plants. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Joe Cleary, PNNL, 509-372-4094)

May 24-28 -- Kyiv, Ukraine

Engineering and Technology. U.S. specialists from Brookhaven National Laboratory, Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc., and Engineering Planning and Management are providing a second training session on the Reactor Core Protection Evaluation Methodology to the Energoproject working group. The working group is performing the safe shutdown analysis for Zaporizhzhya NPP. The training is focused on identification of fire-induced safe shutdown vulnerabilities and electrical circuit analysis. REVEAL_W™ 2.0 software is being provided to the working group, and computer staff are being trained in the use of the software. The Energoproject working group includes representatives from each of the Ukrainian nuclear power plants, representatives from Ukrainian regulatory organizations, and Energoproject staff. (Andy Minister, PNNL, 509-376-4938)

May 24-28 -- Novovoronezh NPP, Russia

Engineering and Technology. The safety parameter display system for Novovoronezh Unit 4 is undergoing site acceptance testing and official turnover to the plant. Participants include representatives of the U.S. contractors Science Applications International Corporation, Data Systems & Solutions, and Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc. Representatives of Novovoronezh NPP, Rosenergoatom, Gosatomnadzor, and DOE also are on-site for the testing. (Norman Fletcher, DOE, 301-903-3275; Rich Denning, PNNL, 614-424-7412; Frank Panisko, PNNL, 509-372-4472)

May 24-28 -- Zaporizhzhya NPP, Ukraine

Engineering and Technology. The safety parameter display system for Zaporizhzhya Unit 5 is undergoing site acceptance testing and turnover to the plant. Participants include representatives of U.S. contractors Westinghouse Electric Company and Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc. Representatives of Zaporizhzhya NPP, Energoatom, the Ukraine Nuclear Regulatory Administration, and DOE also are on-site for the testing. (Norman Fletcher, DOE, 301-903-3275; Rich Denning, PNNL, 614-424-7412; Frank Panisko, PNNL, 509-372-4472)

May 27-June 1 -- Kharkiv, Ukraine

Ukraine Economic Diversification. The United States is sponsoring the second U.S.-Ukraine Conference on Energy Technology and Commercialization. The conference, a follow-on to the first held in Washington, D.C., in November 1998, will introduce U.S. corporations and firms to Ukrainian energy companies and institutes to expand business opportunities and promote commercial partnerships. Site visits will be organized to manufacturing and research facilities that are potential commercial partners for U.S. companies. Oil and gas company representatives also may visit the operating fields between Sumy and Kyiv. (Mike Congdon, PNNL, 202-646-5285)

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Planned Activities

* indicates the event is a new item or has been changed from the last report.

June 1-June 11 -- Armenia NPP, Armenia

Training. U.S. training experts from Sonalysts, Inc., will continue working with International Atomic Energy Agency training specialists and specialists from Armenia NPP on development of training materials for two pilot training programs (Radiation Protection Technician and Senior Foreman for the Reactor Equipment Maintenance Shop). (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

June 1-June 11-- South Ukraine NPP, Ukraine

Training. South Ukraine NPP training specialists will finalize and implement the Unit Shift Supervisor course for the plant. Training specialists from Sonalysts, Inc., and the Engineering and Technical Center for the Training of Nuclear Industry Personnel will work with South Ukraine specialists to finalize learning materials and implement the course. Training specialists from Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, and Zaporizhzhya NPPs will participate as observers of the implementation. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

June 7-11 -- Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukraine Operational Safety Infrastructure. The U.S. team will sponsor a workshop to develop a performance indicator program and related procedures for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Participants will include representatives from each nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Energoatom, the State Scientific and Technical Center, and the Nuclear Power Plant Operational Support Institute. A U.S. expert on the Nuclear Energy Institute/U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission risk-informed, performance-based inspection and enforcement program will present the most current U.S. approaches and will advise the Ukrainian participants in their procedure development. At the request of the Ukrainians, a U.S. expert involved in development of the performance indicator data collection software will advise on methods for collecting performance data. Energoatom will use the program and procedures resulting from this workshop to collect and evaluate performance data related to nuclear power plant safety. (Lief Erickson, PNNL, 509-372-4097; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

June 14-18 -- Vienna, Austria

Cross-Cutting. The International Atomic Energy Agency's International Conference on the Strengthening of Nuclear Safety in Eastern Europe will review the results of national and international programs to enhance the safety of VVER and RBMK nuclear power plants. Additional specific information about the conference is available at http://www.iaea.or.at/worldatom/thisweek/preview/1999meet/infcn75.html

June 14-19 -- Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukraine Operational Safety Infrastructure. A U.S. expert from Scientech, Inc., will conduct a workshop on decision analysis methods. Specialists from the Nuclear Power Plant Operational Support Institute will participate. The decision analysis tools are intended to help improve the effectiveness of technical and scientific tasks performed by the institute for Energoatom and the nuclear power plant sites in Ukraine. (Lief Erickson, PNNL, 509-372-4097)

June 14-25 -- Ignalina NPP, Lithuania

Training. U.S. training experts from Sonalysts, Inc., will meet with International Atomic Energy Agency training specialists and specialists from Ignalina NPP to continue work on training materials for the pilot program, Mechanical Maintenance. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

* June 16-18 -- Balakovo NPP, Russia

Simulators. The U.S. team will formally turn over the analytical simulator for Balakovo NPP. Representatives of GSE Power Systems, Inc., Lakrom, Rosenergoatom, the U.S. Department of Energy, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will attend. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Joe Cleary, PNNL, 509-372-4094)

* June 18-23 -- Zaporizhzhya NPP, Ukraine

Simulators. Members of the U.S. team from the U.S. Department of Energy and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will formally turn over to the plant the upgraded full-scope simulator for Zaporizhzhya Unit 5. Representatives of GSE Power Systems, Inc., and Lakrom will participate in the turnover. The simulator and training representative from Energoatom also is expected to attend. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Joe Cleary, PNNL, 509-372-4094)

June 21-July 2 -- Kalinin NPP, Russia

Training. U.S. experts from Sonalysts, Inc., and specialists from Kalinin and Balakovo NPPs will review training materials, then implement a pilot Mechanical Maintenance training program for the Kalinin plant. U.S. team members will participate in the pilot implementation. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

June 21-July 2 -- Khmelnytskyy NPP, Ukraine

Training. U.S. experts from Sonalysts, Inc., will work with specialists from Khmelnytskyy NPP to review materials developed for a pilot Unit Shift Supervisor training program. During the second week of the visit, training specialists from Khmelnytskyy will conduct a pilot implementation of the program. U.S. team members will participate in the pilot implementation. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

June 22-25 -- Richland, Washington, USA

Training. The International Atomic Energy Agency and U.S. Department of Energy will cosponsor a meeting, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training for Nuclear Facility Personnel. Between 80 and 120 international training specialists are expected to participate. A member of the U.S. team from Human Performance Analysis Corporation will present data on performance measures used to assess the effectiveness of training technology transfer activities conducted as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s work to improve safety at Soviet-designed nuclear power plants. (John Yoder, DOE, 301-903-5650; Don Draper, PNNL, 509-372-4079)

* June 28-July 2 -- London, United Kingdom

Ukraine Operational Safety Infrastructure. British Energy will sponsor a workshop to recognize Ukraine’s issuance in late May of the Normative Document on Quality Assurance for Nuclear Facilities, developed with U.S. assistance. The workshop will culminate in a joint plan for implementing the Normative Document requirements throughout the nuclear power plants in Ukraine and at the nuclear utility Energoatom. Chief engineers (or their representatives) from each of the five plant sites and key officials from Energoatom are expected to attend. (Lief Erickson, PNNL, 509-372-4097)

October 12-14 -- Slavutych, Ukraine

Chornobyl Initiatives. The International Chornobyl Center will hold its annual conference, to facilitate the exchange of information on scientific and technical international cooperation at the Chornobyl site and on nuclear and radiation safety issues. The conference also seeks to coordinate and integrate efforts of the world community. Abstracts are due June 1, 1999. (Elena Tolkach, Secretary of the Organizing Committee, P.B. 151, Slavutych, Kyiv Region 255190, Ukraine, telephone: 38-(044)-79-23016; fax: 8-(044)-79-28144; e-mail: elena@chctr.pnl.gov)
Looking Back

In March 1999, three technical specialists from Ukraine spent the entire month in the United States, training with U.S. team members on a system for identifying and evaluating nuclear-related technologies for application at nuclear facilities. The system, called technology scanning and assessment, is used for making decisions about which technologies are best suited to addressing specific needs. The Ukrainian specialists are preparing to offer such services to nuclear power plants and other organizations in Ukraine and internationally through the Slavutych and Kyiv offices of the International Chornobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste and Radioecology.

Photographed with Gretchen Hund (far left) during a break on a sunny spring day in Richland, Washington, the specialists are (left to right) Bogdan Poralo, International Chornobyl Center; Aleksy Milchakov, Slavutych Laboratory; and Marina Davydko, Slavutych Laboratory. Gretchen, U.S. team member from the Seattle office of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, worked with the specialists during their month-long training.


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