Decontamination of the Douglas Point Reactor by the Can-Decon Process

Chemical composition and procedures are given for a cleaning method to remove nuclide contaminated particulates from the primary circuit of the deuterium moderated Douglas Point Nuclear Power Reactor. The procedure reduces downtime, minimizes attack on miscellaneous components and volume radioactive waste and contamination of the deuterium oxide by water as compared to other cleaning systems. The Can-Decon system adds a citric oxide-EDTA type cleaner directly to the coolant and removes oxide for filtration. Tests after 1 year showed amount of radioactivity reduced, no component failures attributed to decontamination, reduction in deuterium oxide leaks and reduced volume of insoluble crud in the coolant. The method is to be used at other reactors. Reduction of decontamination cycle time from 72 to 36 hours is anticipated