EDF experience with {open_quotes}hot spot{close_quotes} management

Conference · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:54651

Guio, J.M. de ^[1]

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1. Blayais Nuclear Power Plant, St. Ciers (France)

During the past few years, {open_quotes}hot spots{close_quotes} due to the presence of particles of metal activated during their migration through the reactor core, have been detected at several French pressurized water reactor (PWR) units. These {open_quotes}hot spots,{close_quotes} which generate very high dose rates (from about 10 Gy/h to 200 G/h) are a significant factor in increase occupational exposures during outrates. Of particular concern are the difficult cases which prolong outage duration and increase the volume of radiological waste. Confronted with this situation, Electricite de France (EDF) has set up a national research group, as part of its ALARA program, to establish procedures and techniques to avoid, detect, and eliminate of hot spots. In particular, specific processes have been developed to eliminate these hot spots which are most costly in terms of occupational exposure due to the need for reactor maintenance. This paper sets out the general approach adopted at EDF so far to cope with the problem of hot spots, illustrated by experience at Blayais 3 and 4.

• Research Organization: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Regulatory Applications; Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
• OSTI ID: 54651
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CP--0143; BNL-NUREG--52440; CONF-940505--; ON: TI95008770
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
ALARA
CORROSION PRODUCTS
DECONTAMINATION
FRANCE
HOT SPOTS
INVESTIGATIONS
MAINTENANCE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
PWR TYPE REACTORS
SHIELDING
TASK SCHEDULING
TRAINING