In-situ Gamma Spectrometry of Spent Resin and Filter Elements at CANDU Stations

Abstract

Kinectrics routinely performs gamma spectrometry surveys of key reactor system components during outages at CANDU stations to monitor build-up of radiation fields. Recently, the scope of the surveys was expanded to include monitoring of spent resins and filters. Characterization data for these media are also of interest for the safety case and the licensing of the Deep Geological Repository which is being developed by OPG to dispose its Low and Intermediate Level wastes.This paper presents a description of the new in-situ gamma spectrometry technique. Pros and cons of the new approach and the methodologies employed previously are discussed. The new technique yields only gamma activity data, which must be pooled together with alpha and beta activity data obtained from characterization of collected samples. Nevertheless, its simplicity permits ease of data collection with minimal impact on station resources and with modest dose expenditure.New results obtained are compared with previous data.