TPBAR handling in the Tritium Extraction Facility
Tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs) will be irradiated in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and subsequently shipped to the Tritium Extraction Facility (TEF) for processing. The TPBAR outside tube and end fittings are constructed of stainless steel and become activated during irradiation. To allow workers to safely process the irradiated TPBARs, remote handling is being planned for the TEF. Irradiation in the PWR requires the TPBARs to be attached to baseplates. Up to 24 TPBARs can be irradiated on a single baseplate. After irradiation, the baseplates will be removed, and the TPBARs will be consolidated into groups of {approximately}300 for shipment and processing. The TPBARs will be placed into a consolidation container to facilitate handling. The consolidation container will be compatible with the reactor spent-fuel pool and its storage racks. The consolidation container will also have features to allow water to drain, so that all shipments will be dry. Estimated radiation rates from a dry, unshielded consolidation container exceed 50,000 R/h. Figure 1 is a cutaway view of the remote handling building which is described here.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse SRC, Aiken, SC (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20104515
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 82; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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