One problem of decommissioning graphite reactors is the evaluation of the radioactive contamination of the graphite. The possible methods of determining the composition, contamination, and radionuclide concentration by means of laboratory analysis of graphite samples taken from the reactor masonry are examined. It is proposed that samples of graphite powder formed during repair work performed on RBMK masonry be used. Life tests have shown that since their operational stability in neutron and γ radiation fields is adequate CdZnTe detectors can be used to probe the channels in the reactor masonry.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
A. A. Ramenkov, “Results attained,” Byull. Rosenergoatoma, No. 3, 32–35 (2011).
A. V. Bushuev, V. N. Zubarev, A. F. Kozhin, et al., “Composition and content of impurities in graphite of commercial reactors,” At. Énerg., 92, No. 4, 298–302 (2002).
I. A. Engovatov, V. P. Mashkovich, Yu. V. Orlov, et al., Radiation Safety during Decommissioning of Civilian and Military Reactor Facilities, MIFI, Moscow (1999).
A. V. Bushuev, V. N. Zubarev, A. F. Kozhin, et al., “Experimental study of radioactive contamination of graphite masonry of the commercial reactors of the Siberian Chemical Combine,” At. Énerg., 92, No. 6, 477–485 (2002).
V. I. Bulanenko, V. V. Frolov, and A. G. Nikolaev, “Radiation characteristics of the graphite of decommissioned uranium-graphite reactors,” At. Énerg., 81, No. 4, 371–307 (1996).
A. V. Bushuev, V. N. Zubarev, A. F. Kozhin, et al., “Possible application of γ-ray spectrometers based on CdZnTe detectors,” At. Énerg., 92, No. 5, 371–374 (2002).
N. A. Girke, A. V. Bushuev, A. F. Kozhin, et al., “14C in the spent graphite of uranium-graphite reactors at the Siberian Chemical Combine,” At. Énerg., 112, No. 1, 51–53 (2012).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 120, No. 1, pp. 34–37, January, 2016.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bushuev, A.V., Kozhin, A.F., Aleeva, T.B. et al. Methods of Inspecting the Radioactive Contamination of Uranium-Graphite Reactor Masonry. At Energy 120, 44–47 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-016-0093-z
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-016-0093-z