Figure II-2. Tritium processing schematic.

DOE-HDBK-6004-99

Secondary confinement system pressure

is: - Negative relative to building personnel

zon-ePositive or negative relative to primary confinement, depending on

pressure or vacuum conditions in primary

confinement.

Building Boundary

Secondary Tritium Confinement

Purge Recovery

(Stripper)

Primary Recovery

(Stripper)

Secondary Recovery

(Stripper)

Fusion

Machine

Tritium

& Fueling

Transfer

Systems

System

Tritium

Purification

Storage

System

Primary

Confinement

H&V Supply

Cleaning

Figure II-2. Tritium processing schematic.

The primary confinement system encloses tritium in a sealed, low leak system rated for

all operating pressures and vacuum. Primary confinement is essentially a static, high

integrity system of process equipment and piping. There is no intent that tritium will

leave primary confinement except under controlled transfers.

But tritium is difficult to contain, even in the highest integrity systems, and some small

leakage is likely to occur. To ensure that tritium loss to the environment or exposure of

personnel is minimal, the primary confinement system is within a secondary confinement

barrier. The secondary confinement system is dynamic, depending on differential

pressures or gas flows to confine and channel tritium within certain volumes or pathways.

The secondary (or higher order) confinement system may not be sealed or leak tight.