September 19, 2024
Journal Article

Gamma-spectrometry measurements of filtration media from an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor

Abstract

Filtration media used to quantify particulate and gaseous releases have been collected from Hartlepool Power Station in the United Kingdom and measured using high-sensitivity gamma spectrometry systems. Radionuclides that are relevant to the monitoring regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) have been detected and quantified. Results are reported and compared to detections recorded on the International Monitoring System (IMS). Time series activity plots have also been produced and results interpreted with respect to known plant activities. The reported results improve the understanding of trace-level radionuclide emissions from Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs). This knowledge can be used interpret IMS measurements and aid distinction of emissions from civil nuclear sources from nuclear explosions. This work is being performed as part of the Xenon Environmental Nuclide Analysis at Hartlepool (XENAH) collaboration between the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE, UK), EDF Energy (UK), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, US).

Published: September 19, 2024

Citation

Petts A., J.L. Burnett, M. Goodwin, and B.D. Milbrath. 2024. Gamma-spectrometry measurements of filtration media from an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 275. PNNL-SA-195050. doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107414

Research topics