Dl. Moir et al., DETERMINATION OF C-14, H-3 AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES IN IRRADIATED ZR-2.5NB PRESSURE TUBES, Radiochimica Acta, 80(1), 1998, pp. 37-42
Information on the activities of C-14 and other long-lived radionuclid
es in irradiated pressure tubes from CANDU(2) reactors is required for
reactor maintenance and to develop the strategies for longterm waste
management of wastes arising from reactor retubing or decommissioning.
Radiochemical data on the activity levels of C-14, H-3 and gamma-emit
ting radionuclides in seven Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubes from reactor units
3 and 4 of Ontario Hydro's Pickering Nuclear Generating Station are p
resented. Details of the analytical method to measure C-14 in the pres
sure tubes using an ellipsoidal infrared spot heater are given. The me
asured C-14 data are compared with calculated values derived from the
operating history and the concentration of nitrogen impurities present
in the tube alloy.