Plutonium Fuel Technology, Part II: Radiation Exposure from Plutonium in LWR Fuel Manufacture

Personnel radiation exposure problems in fabricating and handling plutonium fuels are described. The effects of variations in plutonium isotopic composition, due to differences in reactor types and fuel exposure and the resultant combined effects on personnel radiation exposure, are also described. It is concluded that increased shielding will be required for plutonium fuel fabrication facilities when full-scale plutonium recycle is under way, due to the higher radiation levels associated with high exposure plutonium and to more restrictive personnel radiation exposure limits than those currently used. However, it should be possible to handle completed plutonium fuel assemblies containing high exposure plutonium without excessive personnel exposure and with a minimum of special handling procedures.