Health physics experience during recovery of 233U from irradiated thorium rods

Recovery of 233U from the irradiated thorium rods (46 numbers) received from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was carried out successfully at Reprocessing Development Laboratory (RDL), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). The reprocessing was done in five stages viz., charging of fuel rods into charging flask, decladding, dissolution, solvent extraction and reconversion. The complete operation, being first of its kind, undertaken at the centre needed extensive health physics surveillance and supervision at each stage of the operation. The operational radiation protection methods followed and the experience gained during this initial campaign in area and personnel monitoring, air monitoring and contamination are discussed. The results of routine stack monitoring and analysis of waste generated in the process are given. Special operations like decommissioning of the glove box are highlighted. A brief description of unusual occurrences is also given. (author)