Introduction - h3010v10023

DOE-HDBK-3010-94

1 .0 IN T R O D U C T IO N

1.1

P U R P O S E O F H A N D B OO K

The purpose of this document is to provide a compendium and analysis of experimental data

from which airborne release fractions (ARFs) and respirable fractions (RFs) may be derived.

Such values are needed to determine quantities of radioactive material driven airborne for the

purpose of estimating the scope of the potential release spectrum and potential downwind

consequences from a given facility or activity. The information provided in this handbook

aids in making such estimates. This introduction discusses the following major topics:

S ou rce term form u la - Provides a computational formula for using this

information.

A p p licab ility of d ata - Distinguishes proper use of information.

A ccid en t stresses - Identifies the types of accident conditions for which this

information is applicable.

H an d b ook organ ization - Explains presentation of information and use of

examples.

The data in this handbook can be used in a variety of applications, such as safety and

environmental analyses, and to provide information relevant to system and experiment

design. However, these data and the analyses of the data contained herein need to be

critically evaluated for applicability in each situation in which they are used, and represent

only one source of information in a complete safety analysis or design process.

1.2

SO URCE TERM FO RM ULA

The source term is the amount of radioactive material, in grams or curies, released to the air.

The initial source term is the amount of radioactive material driven airborne at the accident

source. The initial respirable source term, a subset of the initial source term, is the amount

of radioactive material driven airborne at the accident source that is effectively inhalable.

Lesser source terms are determined by applying filtration or deposition factors to the initial

source term.

The airborne pathway is of primary interest for nonreactor nuclear facilities. DOE-STD-

1027-92 quotes observations of the NRC to the effect that "for all materials of greatest

interest for fuel cycle and other radioactive material licenses, the dose from the inhalation

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