Supporting information for the estimation of plutonium oxide leak rates through very small apertures
Information is presented from which an estimate can be made of the release of plutonium oxide from shipping containers. The leak diameter is estimated from gas leak tests of the container and an estimate is made of gas leak rate as a function of pressure over the time of interest in the accident. These calculations are limited in accuracy because of assumptions regarding leak geometry and the basic formulations of hydrodynamic flow for the assumed conditions. Sonic flow is assumed to be the limiting gas flow rate. Particles leaking from the air space above the powder will be limited by the low availability of particles due to rapid settling, the very limited driving force (pressure buildup) during the first minute, and the deposition in the leak channel. Equations are given to estimate deposition losses. Leaks of particles occurring below the level of the bulk powder will be limited by mechanical interference when leaks are of dimension smaller than particle sizes present. Some limiting cases can be calculated. When the leak dimension is large compared to the particle sizes present, maximum particle releases can be estimated, but will be very conservative.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-01-2515
- OSTI ID:
- 7253791
- Report Number(s):
- BNWL-2198; TRN: 77-012916
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
LEAKS
RADIATION ACCIDENTS
CONTAINERS
GASES
PARTICLES
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
TRANSPORT
ACCIDENTS
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLUIDS
MASS TRANSFER
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLUTONIUM COMPOUNDS
TRANSURANIUM COMPOUNDS
054000* - Nuclear Fuels- Health & Safety
050900 - Nuclear Fuels- Transport
Handling
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