TMI-2 pyrophoricity studies
This report summarizes an extensive literature review and experimental evaluation of the pyrophoric potential of debris and material from within the TMI-2 reactor system. The literature on pyrophoricity recommends educated caution during handling of the TMI-2 core debris because of the presence of zirconium, zirconium alloys, and the potential for some oxidizable zirconium compounds. Laboratory testing of zirconium-bearing TMI-2 core debris specimens obtained from locations within the reactor vessel show no pyrophoric potential. These data support TMI-2 accident analyses that have concluded that most of the zirconium particulates in the core were oxidized by the high temperature steam environment during the accident. In addition, the presence of other constituents in the core debris effectively dilutes any oxidizable zirconium, thereby rendering sustained propagation of any pyrophoric events unlikely. Consequently, a reactor defueling scheme has been developed for TMI-2 which acknowledges that, while complete understanding of the zirconium oxidation state is impossible, the safe handling techniques to be used during defueling minimize the concern for any pyrophoric event.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- OSTI ID:
- 6230052
- Report Number(s):
- GEND-043; ON: DE85003777
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Includes 1 sheet of 24x reduction microfiche
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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