Reducing Radiation Levels at Boiling Water Reactors of a Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Fleet

摘要

Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) have suffered from high radiation fields in the primary loop, typically measured by the "BRAC" (BWR Radiation Level Assessment and Control) reactor recirculation system (RRS) dose rates. Reactor water chemistry and activated corrosion product measurements are important in understanding changes in radiation fields in components and systems of a BWR. Several studies have been conducted at Exelon Nuclear's 14 BWRs in order to understand more fully the cause and effect relationships between reactor water radioactive species and radiation levels. Various radiation control strategies are utilized to control and reduce radiation levels. The proper measurement of radioactive soluble and insoluble species is a critical component in understanding radiation fields. Other factors that impact radiation fields include: noble metal applications; hydrogen injection; zinc addition; chemistry results; cobalt source term; fuel design and operation. Chemistry and radiation field trending and projections are important tools that assist in assessing the potential for increased radiation fields and aiding outage planning efforts, including techniques to minimize outage dose. This paper will present the findings from various studies and predictor tools as well as provide recommendations for continued research efforts in this field. Current plant data will be shared on reactor water radioactive species, plant radiation levels, zinc addition amounts and other chemistry controls.