Explosion of Radioactive Waste Due to Metals-Water Reactions
The accident occurred in a disposal storage for contaminated waste, consisting in a 65-metre shaft flooded with seawater. At the origin of the explosion was the reaction with water of at least two kilograms of sodium and potassium. They reacted violently with the water, producing hydrogen. The explosion opened the ceiling of the storage. A plume of white smoke blowing out to sea was reported by witness. Probably also an emission of radioactive particles occurred.
Event Date
March 1, 1977
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
According to some report, the accident was possible due to lack of waste disposal control (inadequate safety design, inventory, monitoring).
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
radioactive waste storage (odium and potassium)
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
The power plant was an experimental fast-breeder reactor of 15MW, liquid sodium-cooled, which started operations in 1959. The waste shaft was containing intermediate level waste.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
The role of hydrogen in this event is only secondary. It was produced by the reaction of sodium and potassium containing waste with water: 2Na + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2. The reaction is explosive, and the ignition of hydrogen can contribute to the overall energy release. Because of this hazard, in this fast-breeder reactor hydrogen sensors were installed at the sodium side of the heat exchanger between the primary coolant circuit (sodium) and the secondary circuit (steam, water). The possibility of a reaction was not considered in the waste storage.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
NewScientist article of 24 June 1995
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14619830-600-lid-blown-off-dounr…
(accessed November 2020)