Research in the discharge of radionuclides to the atmosphere and assessment of the maximum permissible discharges in the context of the reprocessing of nuclear power plant fuel elements

The authors present results of research in the atmospheric discharge of fission and neutron-activation products, and also of transuranium elements (TE) which were obtained during the operation of facilities for recycling spent VVER (water-moderated, water-cooled power reactor) fuel elements. The activity of the TE in the fuel was determined by reference to the data presented of experimental values of radionuclide discharges to atmosphere. The measurements of the radionuclide discharges to atmosphere were carried out by sampling the aerosols, gases, and vapors present in the gas-air mixture discharged into the atmosphere through ventilation shafts. The values for the maximum permissible discharges (MPDs) of the radionuclides characterizing a nuclear power plant fuel-element reprocessing facility are presented. From a comparison of the data shown, it follows that the factual discharges of radionuclides to atmosphere during operation of a facility for recycling fuel elements from nuclear power plant reactors are 30-90 times smaller than the values for the MPDs which are assessed in the light of the proposed areas for siting it with variable wind-behavioral characteristics.