Environmental and Safety Aspects of Using Tritium in Fusion

Abstract

Today most current fusion research and development activity is based on the expectation that the D–T reaction will be used for the first generation of fusion reactors. This mixture is the premier candidate for a fusion fuel on account of its outstanding energy gain. Fusion reactors will produce neither the problematic emissions now experienced from fossil-fuel-burning power plants nor the long-lived fission products and transuranic elements resulting from fission reactors. Even though, tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with 12.32 years half-life that exposes beta radiation. Although its specific activity is relatively weak but because of its gaseous state, it can leak easily from its container and contaminate its surrounding. In order to improving safety and reliability of fusion reactors, research groups jointly investigate radiation hazards resulting from the release of tritium and activation products during normal operations as well as accidental conditions. In this paper, some of the most significant safety and environmental aspects of tritium is briefly discussed.