HEAVY WATER LOSSES IN THE PRTR
During initial power operation from July through November of 1961, D/sub 2/O loss rates from the PRTR were reduced from over 200 lb/day to about 40to 50 lb/day. No single source could be identified as a major contributor to the heavy water losses. However, the initial collection rates from the D/sub 2/O recovery system compared to later collection rates, and the magnitude of the helium losses (which may be laden with D/sub 2/O) make these systems prime suspects. The ventilation exhaust air from the containment vessel was identified as the principal avenue of escape for the D/sub 2/O. During the latter portion of the reporting period, it was determined by various detection techniques that D/sub 2/ O losses were occurring from three locations in about the following amounts: instrument cells--- 15 lb/day, D/sub 2/O recovery system--15 lb/day and process cell--20 lb/day. Of the total f 50 lb/day, tritium analyses of condensate samples showed that D/sub 2/O losses from the moderator and reflector systems were about 15 lb/day, with the remainder being lost from the primary system. The rate of loss from the moderator and reflector systems appeared to be similar for both reactor operation and shutdown. While D/sub 2/O losses during shutdown were generally less than during reactor operation, periods of high losses (up to about 5 to 10 lb/hr) occurred during fuel charging operations and D/sub 2/O spills. It is believed that the D/sub 2/O loss design goal of about 20 lb/day during operation can be achieved. The absence of large leaks makes it necessary to routinely monitor potential leak points and to replace or modify those pieces of equipment with chronic leakage histories. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(45-1)-1350
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-026616
- OSTI ID:
- 4807065
- Report Number(s):
- HW-73755
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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