Characterization of the head end cells at the West Valley Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plant

Technical Report · Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7094559· OSTI ID:7094559

Vance, R. F.

The head-end cells at the West Valley Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plant are characterized in this report. These cells consist of the Process Mechanical Cell (PMC) where irradiated nuclear fuel was trimmed of excess hardware and sheared into short segments; and the General Purpose Cell (GPC) where the segments were collected and stored prior to dissolution, and leached hulls were packaged for disposal. Between 1966 and 1972, while Nuclear Fuels Services operated the plant, these cells became highly contaminated with radioactive materials. The purpose of this characterization work was to develop technical information as a basis of decontamination and decommissioning planning and engineering. It was accomplished by performing remote in-cell visual examinations, radiation surveys, and sampling. Supplementary information was obtained from available written records, out-of-cell inspections, and interviews with plant personnel.

• Research Organization: West Valley Nuclear Services Co., Inc., West Valley, NY (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-81NE44139
• OSTI ID: 7094559
• Report Number(s): DOE/NE/44139-31; ON: DE87006873
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
HOT CELLS
DECOMMISSIONING
DECONTAMINATION
WEST VALLEY PROCESSING PLANT
RADIOACTIVITY
CLEANING
EQUIPMENT
FUEL REPROCESSING PLANTS
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
052001* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Processing
050800 - Nuclear Fuels- Spent Fuels Reprocessing