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The TMI-2 (Three Mile Island Unit 2) reactor building gross decontamination experiment: Effects on loose-surface contamination levels

Conference · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5684573

In March 1982, the Gross Decontamination Experiment was conducted in the Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) reactor building. The intent of the experiment was twofold: (a) to determine which of several commonly used decontamination techniques would be the most efficient at reducing contamination levels on vertical and horizontal surfaces and (b) to actually reduce radiation and surface contamination levels in the accessible areas of the reactor building in order to reduce person-rem expenditures for future entries. Accessible areas included the entire reactor building except inside the D-rings, inside the enclosed stairwell, and elevation 282 ft. The experiment was broken into six separate tasks, implemented by nine different work packages, and accomplished during 15 reactor building entries over a 30-day period. Approximately 40 person-rem were expended in completing the experiment. While the results of the experiment did show which decontamination techniques were the most effective, loose-surface contamination and radiation levels in the reactor building were not substantially reduced. The decontamination techniques tested and the key test parameters are shown.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
5684573
Report Number(s):
CONF-881011-
Journal Information:
Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 57; ISSN TANSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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