Vietnam: The ventilation system of a nuclear power plant must be able to filter air

According to Article 59 of Circular No. 30/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam: “Appropriate air conditioning, air heating and ventilation systems shall be provided in the nuclear power plant to maintain the environmental conditions necessary for the systems and components important to safety”. The capability of air cleaning of ventilation systems in buildings must satisfy the following requirements:

- The radioactive release within the nuclear power plant is below the prescribed limits;

- The concentration of airborne radioactive substances in the areas accessed by personnel is below the prescribed limits;

- The level of airborne radioactive substances within the nuclear power plant is below the limits and kept as low aw reasonably achievable;

- The ventilation in the rooms that contain inert gases or noxious gases does not impair the capability to control radiation;

- The release of gaseous radioactive material to the environment is below acceptable limits and kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Note: Lower pressure (partial vacuum) shall be maintained in areas where radioactive contamination is higher, and in accessible areas.

Moreover, according to Article 60 of Circular No. 30/2012/TT-BKHCN, fire protection systems, including fire detection and fire extinguishing systems, fire containment barriers, and smoke control system shall be provided throughout the nuclear power plant, with due account taken of the fire hazard analysis results. The fire protection system at the nuclear power plant must be capable of dealing with all fire scenarios. The fire extinguishing systems must be capable of automatic actuation where appropriate. The design and location of fire extinguishing systems must ensure that their abnormal operation would not significantly impair the capability of items important to safety.

Besides, the fire detection systems must provide information for operators about the location and spread of the fire when it occurs. The fire detection systems and fire extinguishing system in postulated initiating events must be able to resist the effects of these events. Non-combustible and heat resistant materials shall be used wherever practicable throughout the plant, especially in the containment and the control room.

View details at Circular No. 30/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, effective from February 11, 2013.

Le Vy

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