Radiation Protection Aspects of AECL's Retube/Refurbishment Projects

Abstract

In contrast to the construction of a new nuclear reactor, Retube/Refurbishment of nuclear reactors that have been in operation for many years will involve fabrication of a new core in a radiation environment. Careful planning of the radiation protection (RP) program is crucial to ensure the protection of workers and the environment, and the success of the projects. This paper describes the key RP activities currently underway in AECL’s Retube/Refurbishment projects, covering RP during retubing tooling and system designs, retubing work planning, retubing operation, and waste transfer and management. The discussion will focus on RP initiatives from engineering design aspects of the projects.