Initial accident scenario analysis in support of a preliminary DEMO tritium plant design

An initial safety analysis of a preliminary DEMO tritium fuel cycle has been undertaken using functional failure mode and effects analysis (FFMEA) to create accident scenarios for evaluation. A total of ten scenarios were developed and analysed based upon the current technology planned for the tritium fuel cycle. The findings indicate that the potential radioactive hazards from accident scenarios would result in increased dose rates to workers but that these rates can be kept within manageable levels through proper ventilation, backup systems, and engineered safety. The individual hazards found within the tritium fuel cycle are echoed in other processing industries, and knowledge transfer from well-established industries will enhance the safety procedures. The methodology for identifying and evaluating accident scenarios put forth in this paper can be used as the design of the fuel cycle progresses to maturity.