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Carbon-14 discharge at three light-water reactors

Journal Article · · Health Phys.; (United States)
A long-term-sampling evaluation was made of the quantity, discharge pathway, and chemical form of /sup 14/C released from 2 pressurized water reactors (PWR) and 1 boiling water reactor (BWR) in the northeastern United States. For the R. E. Ginna PWR the discharge rate of gaseous /sup 14/C was 11.6 Ci/GW(e)-yr. The average chemical composition was 10% as /sup 14/CO/sub 2/, 90% as /sup 14/CH/sub 4/ and other hydrocarbon gases. For the Indian Point Unit 3 PWR, the discharge rate was 9.6 Ci/GW(e)-yr, primarily by pressure-relief venting and purging of the containment air. The chemical species were 26% /sup 14/CH/sub 4/ and other hydrocarbon gases. For the J.A. FitzPatrick BWR, the discharge rate was 12.4 Ci/GW(e)-yr. Approximately 97% of the release was via off-gas discharge, which was about 95% /sup 14/CO/sub 2/. For all 3 reactors the quantity of /sup 14/C released with liquid and solid wastes was <5% of the gaseous release.
Research Organization:
New York State Department of Health, Albany
OSTI ID:
5448425
Journal Information:
Health Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Health Phys.; (United States) Vol. 49:1; ISSN HLTPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English