The present status of tritium monitoring and related studies at JAERI

Tritium monitoring systems have been developed for the tritium handling facilities in JAERI. In the Fusion Neutronics Source Facility, tritium of 1000 Ci is handled as a metal target. In the Tritium Process Laboratory, it is planned to start handling tritium of 105 Ci at the beginning of 1988. Tritium concentrations in rooms of the facilities are monitored with 30-liter ionization chambers. Ionization chambers with gamma compensation to reduce gamma effect are installed to monitor tritium concentrations in the stacks. Tritium gas (HT) and tritiated water (HTO) discriminating samplers are also installed together with the stack monitors to measure the quantities of HT and HTO released from the stacks. Tritium concentrations in the following environmental samples are routinely monitored in JAERI: sea water, river water, drinking water, rain water, air and vegetation such as pine needles. The following studies for tritium safety have been made in the Department of Health Physics: measurement of permeabilities of elastomeric and polymeric films to HTO vapor and measurement of distributions of tritium concentrations in concrete walls and floor of JRR-3 (heavy water moderated research reactor). The conversion of tritium gas (T2) to tritiated water was studied experimentally in the cooperation with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. (author). 13 refs, 6 figs, 2 tabs