Tritium Emission Reduction Initiatives at CANDU Stations

Abstract

CANDU reactors produce significantly more tritium than any other type of reactor. Therefore,control of tritium releases to the environment is particularly important for these reactors. Ontario Power Generation Nuclear (OPGN) has implemented detritiation technology to reduce tritium in their CANDU reactors. This has resulted in reduced environmental tritium emissions, and dose to workers and the public from reactor operations. However, application of this technology results in the release of both elemental tritium and tritiated water vapor during operation. This paper reviews the Darlington Tritium Removal Facility (DTRF) operation and its contribution to tritium emissions reduction at OPGN generating stations.