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Particulate activity accumulated on a moving filter and RCS leak detection
1The Shaw Group, Stoughton, MA, USA. wu-hung.peng@shawgrp.com
Health Physics
|June 29, 2012
Summary
This study presents equations to detect reactor coolant leaks using moving filters in containment air monitors. A few percent aerosolization is needed to detect a 1-gallon per minute leak within an hour.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Radiological Protection
- Environmental Monitoring
Background:
- Containment air particulate radiation monitors are crucial for detecting leaks in nuclear power plants.
- Accurate assessment of radionuclide transport and deposition is essential for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop analytical equations for calculating particulate activity on moving filters.
- To assess the detectability of reactor coolant system leaks using these monitors.
Main Methods:
- Modeling particulate airborne concentration with assumptions on leak rate, aerosolization, and removal coefficients.
- Deriving equations for activity accumulation on moving filters.
- Comparing monitor response to background noise for a pressurized water reactor.
Main Results:
- Equations were presented for particulate activity on moving filters, including noble gas decay products.
- The ratio of moving-to-fixed filter activity was analyzed for various radionuclides and filter speeds.
- A 1-gallon per minute leak is detectable in one hour if aerosolization is at least a few percent.
Conclusions:
- The developed analytical equations provide a method for assessing reactor coolant leak detection capabilities.
- Moving filter systems show potential for early detection of small leaks in containment.
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