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Aerosol size distribution in a uranium processing and fuel fabrication facility
K Vishwa Prasad1, A Y Balbudhe, G K Srivastava
1Health Physics Unit, NFC, Radiation Protection Section (NF), Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, PO ECIL, Hyderabad 500 062, India. vishwaprasad@rocketmail.com
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|April 22, 2010
Summary
This study measured uranium aerosol particle sizes during nuclear fuel processing. Results show airborne uranium concentration increases with particle size, impacting radiation dose calculations.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Magnesium diuranate is processed into uranium dioxide (UO(2)) for nuclear fuel pellets.
- Particle size is crucial for radiation dose assessment, with default values set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).
- Variations in uranium aerosol particle size can occur throughout nuclear fuel production stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the actual uranium aerosol size distribution at various operational stages.
- To compare measured particle size data with established ICRP default values.
- To assess the implications of observed size distributions on radiation dose calculations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an Anderson impactor with glass fiber filter paper for aerosol collection.
- Determined activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) for collected samples.
- Analyzed aerosol size distribution across different operational areas.
Main Results:
- Airborne uranium concentration was positively correlated with larger particle sizes.
- Measured average AMAD ranged from 5.8 to 7.7 µm, with GSD values from 1.63 to 6.73.
- The ratio of calculated Annual Limit of Intake (ALI) to the standard ALI varied from 1.13 to 1.55.
Conclusions:
- Observed uranium aerosol particle sizes and distributions deviate from ICRP default assumptions.
- Higher airborne uranium concentrations associated with larger particles necessitate site-specific dose assessments.
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring and characterizing uranium aerosol sizes in nuclear fuel facilities.
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