User's guide for the KBERT 2.0 code Page: 4 of 79
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SAND2000-8225
Unlimited Release
Printed May 2000
User's Guide for the KBERT 2.0 Code
For the Knowledge-Based Estimation of Hazards of Radioactive Material
Releases from DOE Nuclear Facilities
K. E. Washington, K. K. Murata, D. S. Browitt,
J. E. Brockmann, R. O. Griffith, F. Gelbard
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM 87185
T. J. Heames
Innovative Technology Solutions Corporation
Albuquerque, NM 87110
ABSTRACT
The possibility of worker exposure to radioactive materials during accidents at nuclear facilities
is a principal concern of the DOE. The KBERT analysis tool has been developed at Sandia
National Laboratories under DOE support to address this issue by assisting in the estimation of
risks posed by accidents at chemical and nuclear facilities. KBERT is an acronym for
Knowledge-Based system for Estimating hazards of Radioactive material release Transients.
KBERT's primary purpose is to predict doses to in-facility workers due to accidental releases of
radioactivity. Models are also in KBERT for predicting doses to the public based upon plume
dispersal models. This report gives detailed instructions on how a user, starting with knowledge
of design, layout and potential hazards of a facility, can use KBERT to assess the risks to
workers in that facility and to the public as a result of releases from the facility. A key feature of
KBERT is the inclusion of the non-facility-specific material release, radioactive decay, and dose
databases (i.e., "knowledge bases") that might also be needed for such an assessment. The
material release characteristics are based on the 1994 DOE Handbook for airborne release
fractions/rates and respirable fractions for nonreactor nuclear facilities. Another important
feature of KBERT is the inclusion of a transparent interface between KBERT and the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission's CONTAIN code. This interface enables KBERT to use the validated
and proven flow models in CONTAIN to predict inter-room air flows. Potential applications of
KBERT include the evaluation of the consequences of evacuation practices, the effect of
personal protection equipment, and the degree of containment of hazardous materials.3
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Washington, K. E.; Murata, K. K.; Browitt, D. S.; Brockmann, J. E.; Griffith, R. O.; Gelbard, F. et al. User's guide for the KBERT 2.0 code, report, May 1, 2000; Livermore, California. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc702155/m1/4/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.