Isotope-analytical results of a study of gas generation in L/ILW

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a long-term measurement series using hermetic containers to make more precise quantitative estimation of the generation rates and radioactivity of the gas in a drum of low and intermediate level radioactive waste (L/ILW) packages. Development of special preparation lines and isotope-analytical measurements of the headspace gas samples were performed in the ATOMKI. Stable isotope measurements were executed from the CO2 and CH4 fractions by stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Noble gas (He) measurements were done by noble gas mass spectrometer. The tritium content of the vapour, H2 and CH4 fractions was measured in H2O chemical form by a low background liquid scintillation counter. The 14C content of the CO2 and CH4 fractions of the headspace gas samples was measured by a low background gas proportional counter system.