Fire analysis is a key component of assessing risk in nuclear as well as many other facilities. It is required as part of a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (fire PRA).
We perform detailed fire modeling of nuclear, government and industrial facilities using our own in-house software FATETM and widely used public domain tools. With experience in model development, validation, participation in international exercises and application to nuclear power stations and fuel cycle facilities, we have developed and benchmarked our own models. We understand the strong points and the limitations of public domain tools, so that we can correctly judge the applicability of results for individual scenarios and the impact of modeling uncertainties.
Fire modeling services include:
- Plant walk-down to identify vulnerabilities and scenarios
- Scoping fire modeling with simplified tools
- Detailed fire modeling with public domain tools: FDS, CFAST
- Detailed fire modeling with in-house tools: FATETM
- Circuit failure analysis and cable selection
- Integration of fire modeling and risk assessments
Fauske & Associates, LLC (FAI) provides a full range of services related to fire modeling. Levels of attack include modeling to support a full fire PRA, modeling to support safe shutdown analysis; a “triage plan” to determine where fire modeling would certainly resolve issues, could potentially resolve issues, or cannot realistically provide benefit; or a management plan to determine realistic cost and schedule associated with such undertakings given a plant –specific state of information.
The key challenge in drawing conclusions from fire modeling results is simply how do you know if the results are correct, conservative or non conservative? This challenge is met through the experience of the analyst and familiarity with experimental data that are used to validate the fire models. The analyst must understand the similarities and differences between experimental configurations and scenarios and those plant configurations and scenarios that are being modeled.
FATETM has multiple uses in a variety of industries and is a key to tool for severe accident prevention.
LOGIC FOR SELECTION OF FIRE MODELING SOFTWARE
| FDS | FATETM | CFAST |
| Public domain CFD | FAI-developed & licensed Nuclear QA | Public domain "zone" |
| Most complex | "Medium sophistication" | Least complex |
| Best for complicated flow patterns and temperature profiles are anticipated | Best for multiple room situations, heavier –than-air gases and tracking radioactive & toxic aerosols | Good for quick modeling of one or two rooms |
| Improved target model available soon, not practical for multiple rooms | Target model similar to FDS, hybrid of zone with multi-dimensional targets | No aerosol capability |
From the U.S. perspective, fire PRA methodology is outlined in a key document created jointly by EPRI and NRC, EPRI-1011989, NUREG/CR-6850. Tasks 8 and 11 pertain to fire modeling and cover scoping and detailed modeling respectively.
Using FATETM software, FAI can calculate temperatures, pressures, flow rates and compositions for fluids, 
Please also see:
Fire Modeling & Cable Selection Analysis
Reactor Auxiliary Building Analysis
Fukushima - Related Engineering
Waste Management and D&D Process Engineering
Your facility may have an innovative idea or need to address similar issues for which FATE can be tailored to suit. If you'd like to learn more about FATE, check out FAI's work on the Development of the Source Term Analysis Tool SAS4A-FATE for Lead-and Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors by clicking below.
