Radiation shielding design for a hot repair facility.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Radiological Engineering
• Waste Management

Background:

• The Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) program requires specialized facilities for handling spent nuclear fuel.
• Existing infrastructure may not adequately support the maintenance and decontamination needs for advanced fuel cycle operations.
• Radioactive contamination from fission and activation products necessitates robust shielding and safety protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the design of a new repair and decontamination area for the IFR demonstration fuel cycle facility.
• To establish shielding requirements for protecting personnel from radiation exposure during equipment maintenance.
• To define the facility's role in radioactive waste transfer and management.

Main Methods:

• Design of a facility supporting remote, glove wall, and contact maintenance for hot cell equipment.
• Shielding design based on contamination from mixed fission and activation products.
• Utilized point kernel calculations with buildup factors for shielding design and radiation monitor placement.

Main Results:

• The repair facility is designed to handle equipment from hot cells used in electrochemical processing of spent fuel.
• Shielding is engineered to limit radiation dose rates to 5 microSv h-1 (0.5 mrem h-1) in occupied zones.
• The facility integrates radioactive waste transfer pathways.

Conclusions:

• The new repair and decontamination area is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the IFR demonstration fuel cycle facility.
• Effective shielding design and radiation monitoring are key to maintaining low dose rates for personnel.
• The facility enhances operational safety and waste management protocols for advanced nuclear fuel processing.