Tritium source identification in CANDU reactors

Very small amounts of tritiated heavy water may escape from the moderator and heat-transport systems of CANDU reactors during maintenance and normal operation. Through comprehensive tritium management, the impact of this leaked heavy water on operating personnel and the environment can be controlled. One useful management technique is source identification, a set of methods for locating very small heavy-water leaks. This technique permits an operator to optimize plant performance, adapting to changes in plant conditions. Various identification methods are available, including local-hazard monitoring, tritium mapping and the correlation of measured hazards with emissions and hazards in other areas. The suitability of each method depends on the management objectives. In this report, each of these methods is reviewed and applications discussed. (author)