Nuclear Energy & Infrastructure Systems Division

Systems Engineering and Safety Analysis Group

Group Leader: James C. Higgins

User Interface Design for a New Generation of Radiation Detection Systems

BNL is working with the Department of Homeland Security to develop standardized displays and controls for the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal, the Human Portable Radiation Detection System, and other systems designed to detect and identify radioactive isotopes. The goal is to employ a common user interface to support seamless transition from the use of one device to the other. This will enable operators of these systems to effectively detect and analyze radiation threats at border crossings, seaports, airports, and other locations. The designs are based on the application of human factors engineering practices and analyses with the intent of enhancing mission success (i.e., rapid and accurate source detection and identification), improving overall usability, and reducing training requirements.

NIST Control Room Upgrade

NEISD is providing support to the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) staff with respect to the Control Room (CR) Upgrade for the NIST research reactor (NBSR). This includes the development of an overall vision for the new control room, human factors engineering plans, and a purchase specification for the new digital Integrated Display and Control System (ICS) using the latest technology. BNL has assisted NIST in the definition of the minimum set of requirements to design, construct, and install a critical control and safety system using a commercially available, NRC-approved system using the existing field inputs and the space of the current NIST CR. BNL will also develop an RFP, select a vendor, purchase or facilitate the purchase of equipment, and assist in the installation, testing, and validation of the new control room equipment.

Support for New Reactor Licensing

NEISD is providing support to the NRC’s recently created Office of New Reactors (NRO) in a wide range of technical disciplines. This work is aimed at ensuring the overall safety and adequacy of design, construction, and operations for new NPPs. This work includes design certification (DC) application reviews, early site permit (ESP) application reviews, combined construction and operating license (COL) application reviews, and new reactor pre-application activities. It also will involve updating the necessary regulatory infrastructure. The plants involved will be the AP1000, ABWR, ESBWR, EPR, and APWR.

Credit for Operator Actions

This project has developed a risk-informed methodology, including human factors review guidance and acceptance criteria, for NRC use during review of licensee proposals that take credit for operator actions. These tools are especially important when evaluating applications for changes in the plant’s licensing basis.

Last Modified: February 1, 2008
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One of ten national laboratories overseen and primarily funded by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Brookhaven National Laboratory conducts research in the physical, biomedical, and environmental sciences, as well as in energy technologies and national security. Brookhaven Lab also builds and operates major scientific facilities available to university, industry and government researchers. Brookhaven is operated and managed for DOE's Office of Science by Brookhaven Science Associates, a limited-liability company founded by Stony Brook University, the largest academic user of Laboratory facilities, and Battelle, a nonprofit, applied science and technology organization.

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