Radionuclide characterization of reactor decommissioning waste and neutron-activated metals
This study is providing the NRC and licensees with a more comprehensive data base for regulatory assessment of the radiological factors associated with reactor decommissioning and disposal of wastes generated during these activities. The objectives of this study are being accomplished during the actual decommissioning of Shippingport Station and the detailed analysis of neutron-activated materials from commercial reactors. The radiological characterization studies of Shippingport decommissioning materials have now been completed, and analyses of dismantled piping and scabbled concrete have shown that neutron activation products, dominated by Co-60, comprised the residual radionuclide inventory. Waste classification assessment have shown that all decommissioning materials (except reactor pressure vessel internals) could be disposed of as Class A waste. Spent fuel disassembly hardware from the Shippingport Core-3 was analyzed for long-lived activation products. Nb-94 and Ni-63 concentrations in Inconel-X750 and stainless steel components exceeded their Class C limits. Measurements and assessments of C-14 in spent fuel disassembly hardware from three commercial nuclear power stations showed that this radionuclide never exceeded the Class C limit for al components. However, the Ni-63 and Nb-94 concentrations in some of these materials did exceed the Class C limits. These measurements are providing the basis for an assessment of the disposal options for these types of highly radioactive materials. Work is continuing on radiological characterization of spent PWR and BWR control rod assemblies. Three control rods, including a BWR cruciform control rod blade, a PWR control rod cluster assembly, and a PWR burnable poison rod assembly, have been characterized for their long-lived activation product concentrations and distribution by direct assay methods. These spent control rods could all be classified as Class C low-level waste. These rods are presently being sampled.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USNRC; Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 7368473
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CR-5894; PNL-8106; ON: TI93016280
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Radionuclide characterization of reactor decommissioning waste and spent fuel assembly hardware
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