Off-site consequence analysis based upon the projected doses associated with different core damage scenarios

The qualitative aspects of a real-time source term estimation based upon off-site monitoring data are discussed. A segmented plume dispersion model has been used to make off-site dose calculations using some of the most recent data regarding on-site source term estimation. This work deals with two accidental scenarios involving core damage. In the first, the containment safeguards have been implemented, allowing further off-site monitoring of the plume. The second is a severe accident where the containment has failed soon after loss of primary circuit integrity. It is thought that the outcome of this work provides the grounds for a realistic source term estimation procedure based upon off-site monitoring data, and what to expect from it, taking into account the complexity of the situation depicted herein. This work shows that current early warning systems require improvement in order to be used as early off-site term estimation tools.