Boiling Research Articles

Integrating core physics and machine learning for improved parameter prediction in boiling water reactor operations

This study introduces a novel method for enhancing Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) operation simulations by integrating machine learning (ML) models with conventional simulation techniques. The ML model is trained to identify and correct errors in low-fidelity simulation outputs, traditionally derived from core physics computations. These corrections aim to align the low-fidelity results closely with high-fidelity data. Precise predictions of nuclear reactor parameters like core eigenvalue and power distribution are crucial for efficient fuel management and adherence to technical specifications. Current high-fidelity transport calculations, while accurate, are impractical for real-time predictions due to extensive computational demands. Our approach, therefore, utilizes the standard two-step simulation process-assembly-level lattice physics calculations followed by whole-core nodal diffusion computations-to generate initial results, which are then refined using the ML-based error correction model. The methodology focuses on improving simulation accuracy in regular BWR operations rather than developing a universal ML predictor for reactor physics. By training an advanced neural network model on the difference in high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulations, the model can reduce the nodal power error from low-fidelity simulations to around 1% on average and the core eigenvalue down to under 100 pcm. This result is under the condition of the normal variations of control rod pattern and core flow rate changes in standard BWR operations used in the training and evaluation of the machine learning model. This work suggests a promising approach for achieving more accurate, computationally feasible simulation solutions in nuclear reactor operation and management.

Evaluated Material Attractiveness of Plutonium Composition from Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR)

The potential for misuse of nuclear fuel has prompted many to make efforts to prevent a country from acquiring nuclear explosive devices (weapons). Weapon utility equated with nuclear material attractiveness when applied to protection and security. Material attractiveness evaluated using an equation first developed by Masaki Saito, namely ATTR. ESBWR is one of the reactors of the BWR reactor type that is still operating. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Material Attractiveness based on the composition of plutonium in the ESBWR reactor, during reactor operation and after reactor operation. The ATTR concept utilizes the plutonium isotope composition to evaluate the material attractiveness aspect. Parameters such as BCM, Rossi-alpha, and neutron prompt life become additional aspects in evaluating material attractiveness. In the research results, the ATTR value decreased from the beginning of reactor operation until the reactor stopped operating. At the beginning of the reactor operation, it was categorizing as a weapon-grade with an ATTR value of 0.19 and when the reactor stopped operating it was categorizing as an unusable grade with an ATTR value of 0.012. At the time of cooling time up to 1x106 (one million) cooling time, the ATTR value increases by 0.019 which was categorizing as an unusable grade. After a cooling time of 1x106 (one million) years up to 1x107 (ten million) years, the ATTR value was 0.001 which categorized as an exempt level. This states that the increasing burnup value will further reduce the ATTR value. Likewise with the Rossi-Alpha and Bare Critical Mass values. Conversely, it will decrease the value of neutron lifetime. The ATTR value after the reactor operates up to one hundred years of cooling time increases and then decreases significantly after 1x106 (one million) years due to the half-life of plutonium isotopes. Likewise, the Rossi-Alpha and Bare critical mass values. However, it is different with the neutron fast lifetime.

Boil water to get rid of microplastics

Boil water to get rid of microplastics

Enhancing Nuclear Reactor Safety through ICE Digital Systems and Cyber Integration

This article examines the imperative of enhancing nuclear reactor safety through the Integration of Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical) Digital (ICE) Systems and cybersecurity measures. Focused on advancements within Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), particularly the BWRX-300, the discussion emphasizes the transformative impact of digital technology on safety protocols. ICE Digital Systems contribute to real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote operation, optimizing reactor performance. Simultaneously, robust cybersecurity measures are integrated to safeguard against potential cyber threats. The article highlights the synergistic effect of ICE Digital Systems and cybersecurity in fortifying the safety framework of nuclear reactors, ensuring a secure, efficient, and sustainable future for nuclear power.

Eksplorasi Pengetahuan lokal Etnomedisin Daun katuk (Sauropus Andíogynus (L.)Meeí) Booster ASI pada Ibu Menyusui di Kelurahan Sampara Kabupaten Konawe

Providing breast milk (ASI) is very important for optimal growth and development of babies. One of the efforts that can be made to increase breast milk production is with herbs such as katuk extract (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr.) Knowledge about the use of plants as medicinal ingredients used in various ethnic groups in Indonesia has not been utilized properly. Ethnomedicine studies are a scientific way to document the use of plants as medicinal ingredients in various tribes. The aim of this research is to find out the form of the herb, how to process it, how to use it and the factors behind people using katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr) as a breast milk booster in the Sampara sub-district. The research method used was qualitative descriptive observational. The sampling technique is purposive sampling through observation and in-depth interviews with informants. The results of the research showed that participants said that the shape of the katuk leaf concoction was made like a clear vegetable with leaves shaped like Moringa, they did not know the taste of katuk leaves, received support and the cooking method used by the participants stated that before boiling, boil water, wash katuk leaves, add flavoring, then cooked for 3-5 minutes and then consumed during breastfeeding but the problem is that katuk leaves are difficult to buy.

Study of the Influence of Operating and Geometric Parameters on the Critical Outflow of Subcooled and Boiling Water through Channels of Different Geometry

Study of the Influence of Operating and Geometric Parameters on the Critical Outflow of Subcooled and Boiling Water through Channels of Different Geometry

Public Water Service Disruptions: A Descriptive Analysis of Boil Water Advisories

Water is the essence of life. It possesses profound spiritual and cultural importance, and serving as an indispensable requirement for the achievement of sustainable development. Access to safe, sufficient, affordable, and reliable drinking water is a human right. Water advisories can be used as an indicator of the reliability of access to safe drinking water. The objective of this article is to explore the trends and characteristics of boil water advisories (BWAs) and the reasons behind them. Visual and statistical tools were employed to describe the drinking water advisory data in Kentucky (USA). The dataset covers all counties in Kentucky for 17 years from 2004 to 2020 and contains 378 water systems and 36,673 BWAs. The average duration of BWAs was 5 days. The number of BWAs issued increased, while the average duration decreased during the study period. More BWAs occurred in the summer months (29%), in surface water (92%), and in large systems (54%). The leading factor for issuing a BWA was because of a line break or a leak (87%). It is imperative for governments, organizations, and communities to collaborate to address these issues effectively. Investing in sustainable and resilient water infrastructure is crucial to ensure access to safe water.

The Effect of Star Fruit Leaf Boiled Water on Changes in Blood Pressure in Elderly People With Hypertension In Sooko Village, Mojokerto Regency

The Effect of Star Fruit Leaf Boiled Water on Changes in Blood Pressure in Elderly People With Hypertension In Sooko Village, Mojokerto Regency

Boil water notices as health-risk communication: risk perceptions, efficacy, and compliance during winter storm Uri

Winter Storm Uri was a disaster that impacted much of the United States during February of 2021. During and after the storm, Texas and Oklahoma experienced massive power grid failures. This led to cascading impacts, including water system disruptions and many boil water notices (BWNs). The breakdown of some communication channels and the inability to enact protective actions due to power outages, as well as travel limitations on public roads, complicated the dissemination and implementation of notifications. This research examined individuals’ perceptions of risk, water quality, and BWNs during Uri. Additionally, this study sought to understand if previous experience with a BWN influenced compliance during Uri and how perceived efficacy impacted these variables. Surveying 893 Texans and Oklahomans revealed that most Uri-affected respondents believed the risks associated with BWNs were severe. Income and race were two factors that influenced BWN compliance. Age, gender, and level of education did not influence compliance. Previous experience with BWNs did not increase risk perceptions. Higher levels of perceived efficacy correlated to higher levels of compliance, perceptions of risk, and water quality, much of which support propositions of the Extended Parallel Process Model. Results suggest that pre-disaster planning and communication are imperative to helping reduce risk(s) and enhancing efficacy during a disaster, especially for novel disasters that have cascading risks, like Winter Storm Uri.

Analysis of Ex‐Vessel Debris Coolability of Boiling Water Reactors

Analysis of Ex‐Vessel Debris Coolability of Boiling Water Reactors

Improving drinking water quality through proficiency testing-the impact of testing method and accreditation status on Escherichia coli detection by Canadian environmental testing laboratories.

Water quality testing is crucial for protecting public health, especially considering the number of boil water advisories annually issued across Canada that impact daily life for residents in affected areas. To overcome these challenges, the development of drinking water safety plans and accessibility to regular testing using simple, rapid, and accurate materials are necessary. However, the significance of monitoring the accuracy of environmental microbiology testing laboratories cannot be overlooked. Participation in external quality assessment programs, such as those that include proficiency testing (PT), is a necessary risk management resource that ensures the effectiveness of these testing processes. Proficiency Testing Canada (PTC), in collaboration with the Canadian Microbiological Proficiency Testing (CMPT) program based at the University of British Columbia, have implemented a drinking-water microbiology PT program since 1996. Both PTC and CMPT are ISO/IEC 17043:2010-accredited EQA providers. The drinking water program provided PT challenges to subscribing testing laboratories twice per year. Each challenge consisted of four samples containing unknown concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterobacter spp. Results from participants were assessed for accuracy based on the method of testing. This cross-sectional study evaluated 150 rural and metropolitan testing sites across Canada between 2016 and 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of different testing methods and laboratory accreditation status on the proficiency scores. This approach enabled us to assess the association between multiple independent variables and the likelihood of achieving specific proficiency scores, providing insights into how testing methods and accreditation status affect overall performance. After adjusting for rural residence, testing time, and survey year, the membrane filtration method was positively associated with the likelihood of scoring satisfactory results compared to the enzyme-substrate method (OR: 1.75; CI: 1.37-2.24), as well as accreditation status (OR: 1.47; CI: 1.16-1.85). The potential for improvement in environmental laboratory testing performance through the implementation of regulated PT in drinking water safety plans is proposed, along with the need for reliable testing methods applicable to rapid drinking water microbiology testing.

The Effect of Celery Juice and Boiled Water on Reducing Uric Acid Levels in The Elderly of Tanjung Alam

Background: Uric acid is the end result of the metabolism of purines in the form of nucleoproteins, which are one component of nucleic acids found in the nuclei of body cells. Celery boiled water containing apiin and apigenin is believed to reduce uric acid levels naturally without causing side effects. This study aims to examine the effect of celery boiled water on reducing uric acid levels in the elderly. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of giving celery boiled water on reducing uric acid levels in the elderly in Tanjung Alam Village. Methods: The study used pre-experiments with One Group Pretest Posttes design. Sampling technique with simple random sampling technique. The number of samples was 66 elderly people. Results: The results of statistical analysis using the Paired T-Test test. The results of the Paired T-test test on 66 elderly people showed a decrease in uric acid levels with a p-value of 0.000 (p <0.05). This shows that there is an effect of celery boiled water on reducing uric acid levels in the elderly. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, there is an effect of giving celery boiled water on reducing uric acid levels in the elderly. Giving this therapy can be used to reduce uric acid levels in the elderly by doing it regularly with 200 cc every morning.

Development of scaling approach based on experimental and CFD data for thermal stratification and mixing induced by steam injection through spargers

Advanced Pressurized Water Reactors (APWRs) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) employ a suppression pool as a heat sink to prevent containment overpressure. Steam can be discharged into the pool through multi-hole spargers or blowdown pipes in both normal and accident conditions. Direct Contact Condensation (DCC) creates sources of momentum and heat. The competition between these two sources determines the development of thermal stratification or mixing of the pool. Thermal stratification is of safety concern as it reduces the cooling capability compared to a completely mixed pool condition. In this work we develop a scaling approach to prediction of the thermal stratification in a water pool induced by steam injection through spargers. Experimental data obtained from large-scale pool tests conducted in the PPOOLEX and PANDA facilities, as well as simulation results obtained using validated codes are used to develop the scaling. Two injection orientations, namely radial injection through multi-hole Sparger Head (SH) and vertical injection through Load Reduction Ring (LRR), are considered. We show that the erosion rate of the cold layer can be estimated using the Richardson number. In this work, scaling laws are proposed to estimate both the (i) transient erosion velocity and (ii) the stable position of the thermocline. These scaling laws are then implemented into a 1D model to simulate the thermal behavior of the pool during steam injection through the sparger.

Thermal-Hydraulic comparative analysis of G-III + BWR and PWR passive safety features under Loss of coolant accident

As one of symbolic design features of Generation-III and III+ (G-III and G-III + ) nuclear reactors, the passive safety system has been implemented on majority of G-III and III + PWRs and BWRs. The passive safety systems in those reactors are designed differently yet adhere to identical fundamental principles. It would be interesting to examine the similarities and differences between the passive safety systems of G-III + PWR and BWR. System code simulations for Small Break and Large Break Loss of Coolant Accident for the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) and China’s advanced PWR had been conducted, respectively. The results showed that the passive safety systems of ESBWR and China’s Advanced PWR were comparable in design, and when dealing with the similar type of SBLOCA and LBLOCA, the passive safety components with the same functionality could all contribute to the core's cooling with stability and reliability, and the injection flow rate values were nearly equivalent. Separating the injection lines of ESBWR's safety systems guarantees that the action sequence could well remain stable. This design could prevent the injection flow rate and action sequence from being impacted by the interaction of safety injection systems. This work could serve as a reference for the design of subsequent new reactors, thereby contributing to the design of reactors with enhanced economics and safety.

Analysis of main steam line break accident on a BWR test facility using TRACE

PUMA-E is an integral test facility, which is used for extensive experimental investigations to study the behavior of Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) plants under accident conditions. The TRACE code is the best estimate thermal hydraulic system code developed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for performing nuclear power plant safety analysis. The aim of the present work is to conduct a short validation study of the TRACE code applied to the PUMA-E facility. Firstly, a TRACE model of the PUMA-E facility was developed based on the existing RELAP5 input deck. Then, an additional facility TRACE model with reactor pressure vessel modeled by three dimensional “VESSEL” component was also established. After that, a Main Steam Line Break accident test was simulated, and the calculation results were compared with experimental data and RELAP5 simulation results. The TRACE simulation capability to predict the accident phenomenon of BWR test facility was evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative methods. On the basis of the above research, the base case accompanying with one Gravity Driven Cooling System tank failure accident was carried out based on the three facility models. The validity and reliability of the simulation results of the different facility numerical models were mutually verified through a qualitative comparison of the simulation results.

Addressing water-health equity through biological engineering and theatre

For the past decade, RESEAU has been engaging with Indigenous and rural communities across Canada in pursuit of water-health equity. RESEAU consists of a team of engineers, community partners, industry groups, and government officials working together to develop innovative solutions for water-health in small communities. Over the last six years, RESEAU has partnered with the UBC Research-based Theatre Lab to develop Treading Water, a research-based theatre play that brings to life some of the rich stories discovered during these community collaborations. The play flows between the intersecting narratives of individuals in a community dealing with unsafe drinking water and explores the resulting challenges to their health and well-being. Water operators and their experiences are central in Treading Water, and the research-based play illustrates their pivotal role in the community. This article, like the theatre initiative described, aims to open conversations addressing water quality and health issues facing rural communities in the 21st century. The article shares the collaborative process of developing the play with the various partners, the short script, as well as feedback from a performer and an evaluator. Cover image: Boil water advisory lifted. Photo credit: RESEAU

Lipidomics and GC-MS analyses of key lipids for volatile compound formation in crayfish meat under different thermal processing treatments

The changes of lipids and volatile compounds in crayfish meat under different thermal processing treatments including boiling (BO), air frying (AF), and BO-AF were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results found that a total of 596 lipids were identified from the crayfish meat. Among them, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:1 and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) 18:1 may be the major aroma retainer for air-fried crayfish meat, while triacylglycerol (TG) 16:0_18:1_18:2 for boiled crayfish meat. Statistical analysis showed that a total of 78 lipid molecules contributed significantly to crayfish meat, of which LPE20:5, LPE22:6, LPE18:3, LPE18:0, LPE18:1, and LPE18:2 may be potential markers that distinguish air-fried crayfish meat from other thermally processed one. In addition, 14 volatile compounds were identified as characteristic aroma compounds of crayfish meat, with aldehydes and heterocyclic compounds contributing significantly to air-fried crayfish meat. LPE and diacylglycerol (DG) as key substrates for flavor compound formation during thermal processing of crayfish meat.

Quantitative proteomics analysis on the meat quality of processed pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like broiler pectoralis major by different heating methods.

This study aims to assess and compare the influences of different heating methods on the quality characteristics of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like and normal (NOR) pectoralis major through quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 632 proteins were identified, and there were 84, 89, 50, and 43 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between processed PSE and NOR samples after four thermal treatments, including boiling (BO), steaming (ST), roasting (RO), and microwaving (MV), respectively, where moist heating conditions led to more different protein abundance. Processed PSE muscles resulted in significant changes in structural proteins related to myofibrillar and connective tissue, which could be associated with their structural instability and degraded quality. Collagen, tropomyosin, myoglobin, and hemoglobin could be potential indicators of PSE muscles color stability and variation during thermal processing. The quantitative proteomic analysis will help correlate molecular changes with processed meat quality towards future optimization of PSE poultry meat processing.

Deep generative modeling-based data augmentation with demonstration using the BFBT benchmark void fraction datasets

Deep learning (DL) has achieved remarkable successes in many disciplines such as computer vision and natural language processing due to the availability of “big data”. However, such success cannot be easily replicated in many nuclear engineering problems because of the limited amount of training data, especially when the data comes from high-cost experiments. To overcome such a data scarcity issue, this paper explores the applications of deep generative models (DGMs) that have been widely used for image data generation to scientific data augmentation. DGMs, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), normalizing flows (NFs), variational autoencoders (VAEs), and conditional VAEs (CVAEs), can be trained to learn the underlying probabilistic distribution of the training dataset. Once trained, they can be used to generate synthetic data that are similar to the training data and significantly expand the dataset size. By employing DGMs to augment TRACE simulated data of the steady-state void fractions based on the NUPEC Boiling Water Reactor Full-size Fine-mesh Bundle Test (BFBT) benchmark, this study demonstrates that VAEs, CVAEs, and GANs have comparable generative performance with similar errors in the synthetic data, with CVAEs achieving the smallest errors. The findings shows that DGMs have a great potential to augment scientific data in nuclear engineering, which proves effective for expanding the training dataset and enabling other DL models to be trained more accurately.

Minimal requirements to thermal-hydraulics/3D-neutron kinetics clustering for BWR transient analysis

Boiling water reactor (BWR) transients and accidents result in a spatial redistribution of the void content and thus of the power. In addition, for many transients, the reactivity feedback coefficients are varied over a wide range. Therefore, coupled thermal-hydraulics/3D neutron kinetics (TH/NK) methods are required for BWR transient analysis. The mapping or clustering of the system TH channels to the fuel assemblies of the NK module is one of the main modelling assumptions made for such coupled simulations. The simulation of BWR transients requires significant computing time if a detailed one-to-one fuel assembly to flow channel mapping is applied. This paper presents an attempt to find the minimal requirements for TH/3D-NK mapping for BWR transient analysis. In other words, we explore different methods of selecting optimal channel groupings and demonstrate how the number of channels affects the solution accuracy for a selected BWR fast transient. It was found that the optimal mapping strategy strongly depends on the parameters of interest, local, e.g. fuel assembly power, fuel cladding temperature, or integral, e.g. peak dome pressure, reactor peak power or downcomer water level. It was concluded that for many cases one-to-one clustering is an optimal technique for BWR coupled analysis.