The EURATOM SOCRATES project studies liquid source term phenomena during severe nuclear power plant (NPP) accidents. It develops innovative methods and computer models for liquid source term management.
The “liquid source term” refers to radioactive materials present in water pathways such as the containment sump, cooling water, or groundwater during and after severe accidents. Interest in this topic increased significantly after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, highlighting the challenges of treating contaminated water and predicting radionuclide behavior.
The project runs from 2024 to 2028 and aims to address critical gaps in understanding liquid source terms. It focuses on both existing large light water reactors and future small modular reactors (SMRs), especially those near populated areas.
Project Objectives
SOCRATES enhances safety, environmental protection, and public well-being through better mid- to long-term accident management. Its main objectives include:
- Reviewing current knowledge of liquid source term phenomena during severe NPP accidents.
- Conducting experimental research on liquid phase chemistry, fuel debris leaching, and innovative absorbent materials for radionuclides. A miniature radiochemical laboratory is also being developed.
- Defining key chemical processes for cesium (Cs), strontium (Sr), and uranium (U) in the liquid phase and developing mathematical models.
Expected Impacts
Comprehensive State-of-the-Art Report
SOCRATES will produce a report reviewing the current understanding of liquid source terms. It will evaluate the capabilities of existing accident analysis codes and provide a baseline for further research.
Experimental Database
The project is building a database on water chemistry during nuclear accidents. It catalogs materials such as concrete, paint, and metals, and studies their interactions in accident scenarios. Special focus is on fission products Cs and Sr, and fuel debris leaching, including tests with real corium samples. This database will inform model development.
Computer Code Models
SOCRATES develops computer models to predict and manage radioactive material releases in liquid form. These models cover various accident scenarios and the behavior of fission products in aqueous environments. The goal is to validate them and integrate them into European safety codes like ASTEC and AC2.
Innovative Absorbent Materials
To mitigate liquid radioactive releases, SOCRATES tests new absorbents, including zeolites, clays, MOFs, and silicas. Their performance will be demonstrated, including the synthesis of the materials themselves.
Miniature Radiochemical Laboratory
A novel miniature radiochemical lab is being developed to enable early measurement of radionuclides such as Cs and Sr.
Communication and Dissemination
SOCRATES prioritizes the communication and exploitation of results. Activities include scientific publications, educational materials, and a researcher mobility program.
Project Partners
The project partners include: VTT, ASNR (former IRSN), CEA, Chalmers, CIEMAT, EDF, ETH, Framatome, GRS, JRC, KTH, KU, NUVIA, PSI, RUB PSS, SSTC NRS, UL.
Join the End-User Group
To follow SOCRATES’ progress and results, interested parties can join the End-User Group by contacting socrates.eu@vtt.fi.
