skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Resolution of USQ regarding source term in the 232-Z waste incinerator building

Journal Article · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society
OSTI ID:217937
 [1]
  1. Westinghouse Hanford Company, Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA (United States)

The 232-Z waste incinerator at the Hanford plutonium finishing facility was used to incinerate plutonium-bearing combustible materials generated during normal plant operations. Nondestructive analysis performed after the incinerator ceased operations indicated high plutonium loading in exhaust ductwork near the incinerator glove box, while the incinerator was found to have only low quantities. Measurements following a campaign to remove some of the ductwork resulted in a markedly higher assay valve for the incinerator glove box itself. Subsequent assays confirmed the most recent results and pointed to a potential further underestimation of the holdup, in part due to the attenuation due to fire brick which could not be seen and which had been thought to be present. Resolution of the raised concerns entailed forming a task team to perform further assay based on gamma and neutron NDA methods. This paper is a discussion of the unreviewed safety question regarding the source term in this area.

OSTI ID:
217937
Report Number(s):
CONF-9509215-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 95:008188-0049
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 72, Issue Suppl.1; Conference: 5. international American Nuclear Society (ANS) conference, Jackson Hole, WY (United States), 24-29 Sep 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English