Table 2.8. Potential Hazards or Damage to Materials from Exposure to Radiation

DOE-STD-1128-98

Table 2.8. Potential Hazards or Damage to Materials from Exposure to Radiation

Radiation-Induced Reaction

Potential Hazard or Damage Problem

Radiolysis of oxygen-contaminated glovebox

Production of ozone-damage

atmospheres

to elastomers: gloves, seals,

etc.

Gaseous PuF6

Deposition of solid PuF4 on

equipment

PuO2 exposed to hydrocarbons or humid

Production of hydrogen gas

environments

pressure buildup in

nonvented containers.

Ion exchange resins

Damaged resin can react

Violently with HNO3 or other

Oxidizers. Also may result in

hydrogen gas- pressure

buildup.

CCl4 saturated with H2O

Production of Cl2. C2Cl6 HCl,

and phosgene.

Polyethylene

Disintegrates with production

of H2.

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastics

Disintegrates with production

of HCl-corrosion.

Tri-n-butylphosphate

Production of hydrogen and

oxygen-pressure buildup in

nonvented containers.

Aqueous plutonium solutions

Production of polymeric

plutonium hydroxide

(plutonium polymer), which

plates out on vessel surfaces

and piping, producing

swelling, cracking, loss of

ductility.

Low-acidity plutonium solutions

Increase in leachability.

It would be futile and inappropriate to list, let alone discuss, all the possible

radiolytic reactions affecting plutonium-handling. However, it is important to

recognize the potential for and anticipate the consequences of these reactions.

The following sections cover a broad range of the types of radiation-induced

damage common to plutonium handling.

2.5.2.1 Hydrogen Production

The G-value for the production of H2 by the alpha radiolysis of pure

water is 1.90.1 molecules of hydrogen per 100 eV (Prevost-Brnas

et al., 1952). Cleveland (1970) calculates that the energy released in

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