OPAL engineering strategies to manage neutron guide seal leaks

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dc.contributor.authorHumphrey, Cen_AU
dc.contributor.authorMetcalf, Pen_AU
dc.date.accessioned2022-08-26T01:55:53Zen_AU
dc.date.available2022-08-26T01:55:53Zen_AU
dc.date.issued2012-03-18en_AU
dc.date.statistics2022-07-08en_AU
dc.description.abstractIn the first two years following hot commissioning of the OPAL Reactor in 2006 light water leaks were detected in all five (5) bellows leak detection chambers of helium guide cooling system. These seals from part of the primary LOCA barrier for the reactor pool. To date no water has been detected past the double metallic C-seals of the neutron beam assemblies into the assembly boxes. This paper reports strategies implemented by the OPAL Engineering group to manage current leak rates and deal with any future escalation leaks. These include: changes to the reactor control and monitoring system to enable ongoing reactor operation, automation of drainage operation, installation of pool water leak recycling system, design provisions for helium back pressurisation and in-pool mechanical collar seals. The system approved and implemented on the reactor ensure that leaked water is drained from the inter seal void space to limit pressure on the inner seal. The system includes remote real time indication and warning of leak rates and is capable of handling leak rates up to 0.5 m3/h. By automatically recycling water drainage, the system reduced plant radioactive liquid waste discharges and operator dose rates to ALARA.en_AU
dc.identifier.citationHumphrey, C., & Metcalf, P. (2012). OPAL engineering strategies to manage neutron guide seal leaks. Paper presented to the 14th RRFM/IGOOR, Prague, Czech Republic, 18 - 22 March 2012. Retrieved from: https://www.igorr.com/Documents/2012-PRAGUE/rrfm2012-transactions.pdfen_AU
dc.identifier.conferenceenddate22 March 2012en_AU
dc.identifier.conferencename14th RRFM/IGOORen_AU
dc.identifier.conferenceplacePrague, Czech Republicen_AU
dc.identifier.conferencestartdate18 March 2012en_AU
dc.identifier.issn9789295064133en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.igorr.com/Documents/2012-PRAGUE/rrfm2012-transactions.pdfen_AU
dc.identifier.urihttps://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/13617en_AU
dc.language.isoenen_AU
dc.publisherEuropean Nuclear Societyen_AU
dc.subjectOPAL Reactoren_AU
dc.subjectLeak detectorsen_AU
dc.subjectSealsen_AU
dc.subjectWateren_AU
dc.subjectNeutron beamsen_AU
dc.subjectEngineeringen_AU
dc.subjectRadioactive wastesen_AU
dc.subjectDose ratesen_AU
dc.titleOPAL engineering strategies to manage neutron guide seal leaksen_AU
dc.typeConference Paperen_AU
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