Section 2 Special Facilities and Activities

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

SECTION 2

SPECIAL FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

This section of the Design Considerations Handbook provides design principles that the facility

design team should consider for special facilities. These design principles have been

developed as a result of design and operating experience with such facilities. These

considerations should be consulted when designing facilities whose hazards and operations

are similar to those discussed in this section.

2.1

PLUTONIUM PROCESSING AND HANDLING FACILITIES.

2.1.1

Introduction . A plutonium processing and handling facility (PPHF) is typically

designed for the following functions involving plutonium:

shipping and receiving;

storage;

chemical processing;

recovery of scrap/residue;

characterization, control, and accounting; and

management of plutonium-contaminated wastes.

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Note that

Pu presents special design challenges because of its high specific

activity. Those considerations are not addressed here.

Design Considerations . The following sections provide specific design

2.1.2

considerations for a PPHF. The design of PPHFs should consider the following

features because of the special characteristics of plutonium and other materials

with high specific activity or radiotoxicity.

Shipping and Receiving . A PPHF should be sited away from highly populated

areas. It should also have reasonable access to major transportation networks,

such as rail systems and interstate highways while maintaining safe distance.

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