Carbon-14 Bioassay for Decommissioning of Hanford Reactors

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Health Physics. Operational Radiation Safety

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0b013e3182430128· OSTI ID:1038625

Carbaugh, Eugene H; Watson, David J

The old production reactors at the US Department of Energy Hanford Site used large graphite piles as the moderator. As part of long-term decommissioning plans, the potential need for 14C radiobioassay of workers was identified. Technical issues associated with 14C bioassay and worker monitoring were investigated, including anticipated graphite characterization, potential intake scenarios, and the bioassay capabilities that may be required to support the decommissioning of the graphite piles. A combination of urine and feces sampling would likely be required for the absorption type S 14C anticipated to be encountered. However the concentrations in the graphite piles appear to be sufficiently low that dosimetrically significant intakes of 14C are not credible, thus rendering moot the need for such bioassay.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1038625
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-82363
• Journal Information: Health Physics. Operational Radiation Safety, Journal Name: Health Physics. Operational Radiation Safety Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 102
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14C
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
ABSORPTION
BIOASSAY
CARBON 14
DECOMMISSIONING
FECES
GRAPHITE
MONITORING
PRODUCTION REACTORS
SAMPLING
URINE
bioassay
monitoring
personnel