TMI-2 lower vessel debris examinations

Conference · Mon Nov 17 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6839254

Akers, D W; Olsen, C S; Strain, R V

Samples of prior molten debris have been retrieved from the lower reactor head of the TMI-2 reactor. Preliminary results of the examination of these samples are presented with particular emphasis on the metallurgical and radiochemical characteristics of the materials. Areas of nearly pure fuel material in a stoichiometric, (U,Zr)O/sub 2/ matrix occurred which indicate temperatures approaching the melting point of UO/sub 2/ (up to 3100/sup 0/K). Comparison of the measured radionuclide concentrations in the debris with ORIGEN-2 calculated concentrations indicates significant retention of Cs-137 (up to 22%) in the prior molten debris. Autoradiography results suggest significant accumulations of activity on the surfaces of voids in the debris and at grain boundaries.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA); Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 6839254
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-25986; CONF-8610135-46; ON: DE87004535
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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