TPBAR handling in the Tritium Extraction Facility

Tritium Producing Burnable Absorber Rods (TPBARs) will be irradiated in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and subsequently shipped to the Tritium Extraction Facility (TEF) for processing. The TPBAR outside tube and end fittings are constructed of stainless steel, and become activated during irradiation. In order to allow workers to safely process the irradiated TPBARs, remote handling is being planned for the TEF. Irradiation in the PWR requires the TPBARs to be attached to baseplates. Up to 24 TPBARs can be irradiated on a single baseplate. After irradiation, the baseplates will be removed, and the TPBARs will be consolidated into groups of approximately 300 for shipment and processing. The TPBARs will be placed into a consolidation container to facilitate handling. The consolidation container will be compatible with the reactor spent fuel pool and its storage racks. The consolidation container will also have features to allow water to drain, so that all shipments will be dry. Estimated radiation rates from a dry, unshielded consolidation container exceed 50,000 R/hr