Prevalence of STCs in the DOE Complex

DOE-HDBK-1184-2004

1.4 Prevalence of STCs in the DOE Complex

STCs typically occur in much smaller quantities than other more common types of

radioactive materials such as plutonium, uranium and HTO. However, STCs are found at

many DOE sites as a result of past and present DOE operations. Table 1.1 lists examples

of the types of processes involving the production or handling of STCs as well as various

types of structures that could contain or be contaminated with STCs. The important

consideration is that there is a wide variety of processes and locations where STCs may

exist. Accordingly, it is prudent to consider the need for radiological protection measures

specific to STCs when planning work in areas where any form of tritium has been handled

or stored.

Table 1-2 Examples of Processes and Locations where STCs Could Exist .

Processes

Locations

Tritium targets for neutron Generators

Gloveboxes

Reactor operations

Fumehoods

Fusion Experiments

Ventilation systems

Extrication of tritium from fuel elements

Waste containers

Isotope separation

Sampling equipment

Storage of tritium,

Ground water

Stripping tritium from non-hydrogen gas

Uranium beds

streams

Spent fuel

Operations involving tritium labeled

Alcohol wash systems

compounds

Weapons components

Operations producing tritium contaminated

Molecular sieves and getters

oils and solvents

Kiln piping

Waste treatment and storage

Be reflector blocks

D&D Operations

Neutron Generators

Weapons testing

Heavy water purification evaporators

Fuel storage basins

Although the DOE radiological protection community has been aware of STCs for many

years, to date their impact has been limited by the design features that are incorporated

into DOE facilities that handle significant quantities of tritium. These design features

include various forms of material containment and control, such as gloveboxes and HEPA-

filtered ventilation systems that effectively prevented significant releases of STCs to

occupied areas of the workplace or the environment. Recently, sensitivity to STC

contamination has been increased as a result of recent DOE activities involving

decontamination and decommissioning of older facilities. These activities may compromise

the effectiveness of the installed design features and allow releases of STC contamination

to the surrounding areas. Such releases may cause exposures to individuals in the area

and releases of STCs to the environment, both on- and off-site. In light of such

experiences, DOE suggests that individuals setting up programs for radiological control of