Using In-situ Scintillating Detectors To Assess Compliance With Release Criterion Of Embedded Piping In Support Of Nuclear Facility Decommissioning

摘要

In the current climate of unfettered access to low level radioactive disposal facilities, fewer resources are being earmarked for waste minimization in the decommissioning arena. One area in which waste minimization is still required is the decommissioning challenge of embedded piping. Compliance with the release criterion for embedded piping can be slow, arduous, and reliant on extrapolated survey and sample results. These extrapolated results are frequently challenged, resulting in additional decommissioning efforts, and more conservative or restrictive agreements with regulatory agencies. Direct measurement of embedded piping affords the decommissioning activity to present qualitative and quantitative data to the regulator when demonstrating compliance with the applicable release criterion. The cadre of specialists with an established capability to perform, assess and present these measurements is small and decreasing. There are fewer decommissioning facilities where these skills can be learned, or where different techniques can be evolved and presented to the regulator for review and approval. Fortunately, the Plum Brook Reactor Facility presents just such an opportunity.