Reactor Containment Dependability Analysis in Safety Critical Nuclear Power Plants: Design, Implementation and Experience

The use of nuclear energy to generate electric power is crucial in meeting the high energy demand of modern economy. The dependability analysis of nuclear power plants has been a critical issue and the reactor containment is the most important safety structure acting as a barrier against the release of radioactive material to the environment. In this paper, we analyze the dependability of the reactor containment. We also propose a tool for design, implementation, and V&V to enhance the dependability of reactor containment through an integrated leakage rate test. Our practical experiences in the on-site tests are also discussed.