TMI-2 core debris grab sample quick look report

Examinations are being performed to acquire data on the extent and nature of the damage and the post-accident condition of the TMI-2 core. One of the tasks is the examination of the six core debris grab samples acquired during the fall of 1983. Preliminary examination of five of the core debris samples has been completed at the INEL. This examination consisted of photo-visual and weighing of the as-received bulk samples. Additionally photo-visual, weighing, gamma spectroscopy and fissile determination were performed on eight select particles removed from these samples. This report presents and discusses the results from these measurements. Further analyses, primarily chemical and elemental, will be performed in FY-1984. Observation of the debris samples showed fuel pellet fragments, shards of cladding or guide tubes, previously molten material, and fuel pellet surfaces glazed with previously liquified material. Five of the eight particles were composed primarily of fuel. Radionuclides 144Ce, 106Ru, and 154Eu appeared to be associated with the fuel while 137Cs and 125Sb were released from the fuel and associated with the other nonfuel core materials