Implementation of an Approach for Characterisation of Radiological Inventory for Decommissioning at Chinon A2 NPP

Abstract

A general overview of the existing radioactive inventory in the plant is necessary for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Based on the knowledge about radiological inventory, appropriate decommissioning techniques and procedures can be specifically used. In order to derive the existing radiological activity in the facility a study was carried out to obtain a representative overview of the total radiological situation at the NPP. Within a study a generic methodology for the radiological characterization was developed. This methodology has been applied on the CO2-circuit of the gas-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor Chinon A2 (MAGNOX type). This paper covers the implementation of an approach for characterisation of radiological inventory for decommissioning. The approach aims at the definition of the number and distribution of local sampling, required measurements as well as suitable measurement systems leading to a confident result with minimized effort in sampling. The paper covers two main objectives: 1. Methodology at and 2. Determination of radiological inventory based on measured data. The proposed methodology is a stepwise procedure which offers the possibility for minimizing the number of required measurements/sample analyses. At the first step the underlying system is an “as-simple-as-possible”-example with homogeneous contamination. In a second step the methodology is expanded to a more realistic and complex system, for which additional investigations have to be performed. The determination of the radiological inventory using the methodology has to consider a given confidence level and maximum allowed error. Therefore statistical assessment is widely used in estimations. The result of this first part of study generates the basis for further investigation. This comprises application of methodology to the mentioned technical system. Therefore corresponding measurement and analysis data have to be delivered and proven regarding adequacy for the proposed methodology. From the dataset various measurement systematic and retained parameters could be derived. The accuracy of given measured data was checked by further examination. The result of the performed analysis leads to a statement about the activity in the primary circuit. The result of this study is an comprehensive estimation of the activity by defined statistical processing of analysed data. The result consists moreover of the analysis of the measurement plan and of distribution and deviation within the measured data. Suggestions for further measurement campaigns are provided based on the deviations and inconsistencies of the data. With the help of these suggestions it should be possible to decrease the number of samples and measuring data as well as improve the comparability of separate measurement processes. Particular potential for improvement of the result for inventory can be seen in a deeper analysis of uncertainties, this was realised and will be explained in the paper.