The management of radioactive liquid effluents at Sizewell B

Nuclear Electric has recently completed the construction of the UK's first PWR power station, Sizewell B. As with all industrial processes, the generation of electricity gives rise to waste materials. The operation of nuclear power stations is no different other than that some of the wastes are radioactive. To treat these arisings, special facilities are provided as an integral part of the power station. This paper presents the design objectives and considers the process strategy adopted by Nuclear Electric for the management of radioactive liquid arisings at Sizewell B. Sources of radioactivity at a PWR are considered along with the principal radionuclides which give rise to doses from liquid effluent. The process systems and plant provided at Sizewell B for the treatment of radioactive liquid wastes to control the discharges and related radiation exposure of members of the public are outlined. Details of the design assumptions, ALARP studies, estimated public exposures and the radioactive discharge authorization are presented. (author)