Nuclear Safety Evaluation of Units Containing 238Pu and 239Pu as Oxides

Fernandez, L. P.

Savannah River Site (S.C.)

关键词: Criticality;    Radiation Protection;    Containers;    Transport Regulations;    Safety Analysis;   

DOI  :  10.2172/780116
RP-ID  :  DPSPU-71-205
RP-ID  :  780116

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

This study evaluates the nuclear safety of {sup 238}Pu and PuO{sub 2} under a variety of conditions for shipping and storage and is applicable to mixtures of {sup 238}Pu-{sup 239}Pu oxides. Evaluations were made for a three-container shipping package (Plutonium Finishing Shipping Cask) for compliance with AECM Chapter 0529 Shipping Regulations. Some calculations were also made for the two inner containers as a storage unit to extend the usefulness to cover B-Line storage. This safety analysis was developed with {sup 239}Pu and {sup 238}Pu cross sections using KENO, a multigroup Monte Carlo criticality program. Conservative allowances were made so that the results are valid for all mixtures of {sup 238}Pu-{sup 239}Pu. For storage conditions a planar array one unit tall of two or three container packages is shown to be safe regardless of water moderation provided the spacing is 2.375'' center-to-center or greater.