Monte Carlo analysis of the battery-type high temperature gas cooled reactor

The paper presents a neutronic analysis of the battery-type 20 MWth high-temperature gas cooled reactor. The developed reactor model is based on the publicly available data being an ‘early design’ variant of the U-battery. The investigated core is a battery type small modular reactor, graphite moderated, uranium fueled, prismatic, helium cooled high-temperature gas cooled reactor with graphite reflector. The two core alternative designs were investigated. The first has a central reflector and 30×4 prismatic fuel blocks and the second has no central reflector and 37×4 blocks. The SERPENT Monte Carlo reactor physics computer code, with ENDF and JEFF nuclear data libraries, was applied. Several nuclear design static criticality calculations were performed and compared with available reference results. The analysis covered the single assembly models and full core simulations for two geometry models: homogenous and heterogenous (explicit). A sensitivity analysis of the reflector graphite density was performed. An acceptable agreement between calculations and reference design was obtained. All calculations were performed for the fresh core state

Simulations of the AP1000-based reactor core with SERPENT computer code

The paper presents the core design, model development and results of the neutron transport simulations of the large Pressurized Water Reactor based on the AP1000 design.The SERPENT 2.1.29 Monte Carlo reactor physics computer code with ENDF/BVII and JEFF3.1.1 nuclear data libraries was applied. The full-core 3D models were developed according to the available Design Control Documentation and the literature. Criticality simulations were performed for the core at the Beginning of Life state for Cold Shutdown, Hot Zero Power and Full Power conditions. Selected core parameters were investigated and compared with the design data: effective multiplication factors, boron concentrations, control rod worth, reactivity coefficients and radial power distributions. Acceptable agreement between design data and simulations was obtained, confirming the validity of the model and applied methodology

Integration of Palliative Care in the Context of Rapid Response

Rapid response teams (RRTs) can effectively foster discussions about appropriate goals of care and address other emergent palliative care needs of patients and families facing life-threatening illness on hospital wards. In this article, The Improving Palliative Care in the ICU (IPAL-ICU) Project brings together interdisciplinary expertise and existing data to address the following: special challenges for providing palliative care in the rapid response setting, knowledge and skills needed by RRTs for delivery of high-quality palliative care, and strategies for improving the integration of palliative care with rapid response critical care. We discuss key components of communication with patients, families, and primary clinicians to develop a goal-directed treatment approach during a rapid response event. We also highlight the need for RRT expertise to initiate symptom relief. Strategies including specific clinician training and system initiatives are then recommended for RRT care improvement. We conclude by suggesting that as evaluation of their impact on other outcomes continues, performance by RRTs in meeting palliative care needs of patients and families should also be measured and improved