Gamma Spectrometry Measurements for Monitoring Activity Transport at the Nuclear Stations

Abstract

The deposition of activation and fission products on the out-core surfaces of the CANDU primary heat transport and moderator systems leads to growth of gamma radiation fields around piping and other system components. It is desirable, for the purposes of monitoring radiation field growth, to routinely conduct in-situ gamma spectrometry of the various system components such as the reactor face, feeder cabinets, boilers and moderator heat exchangers. This paper describes various applications involving the use of both hyperpure germanium and cadmium zinc telluride detector systems. The methodology used to interpret the measured data is also outlined.