Full-system decontamination passes first plant test
- Consolidated Edison Co. of New York Inc., New York, NY (United States)
In the nuclear energy marketplace, a major factor in optimizing productivity and cost optimization is reducing personnel radiation exposures to the lowest levels reasonable achievable (Alara). For one thing, personnel can be allowed to work for long periods on specific tasks, reducing the number of people required for equivalent work. In the mid-1970s, Consolidated Edison Co of New York Inc (Con Edison) inaugurated research into the use of dilute chemicals for removing radionuclide contamination from the entire primary system of its operating pressurized-water reactors (PWRs) at Indian Point station. Such a process had to be effective without threatening equipment contacted by the chemicals. This effort was clearly different from prior industry activities related to plant decommissioning. In this area, Con Edison is leading R and D activities sponsored by several industry and government organizations -- EPRI, Empire State Electric Energy Research Corp, US Energy Research and Development Agency (ERDA). These efforts resulted in the qualification of two chemical formulations, known as Alkaline Permanganate (AP) and Can-Derem Services. Plans for a first-of-a-kind national demonstration of this procedure were described two years ago. This article summarized the three phases comprising the program, two of which had already been completed. As reported here, Phase 3 -- using AP and Can-Derem formulations -- has been successfully completed as an integral part of the activities planned for Indian Point-2 during its routine 1995 refueling and maintenance outage.
- OSTI ID:
- 100677
- Journal Information:
- Power (New York), Journal Name: Power (New York) Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 139; ISSN POWEAD; ISSN 0032-5929
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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