Radioactivity in gas streams derived from nuclear heat

Energy Vol 6. p, 471. 1981 Printed m Great Britam. All rlghtq reserved

03~S44!/8l/OSM71~lU)ZOO/O Copyright @ 1981 Pergamon Press Ltd

NOTE RADIOACTIVITY IN GAS STREAMS DERIVED FROM NUCLEAR HEAT TIMOTHY D. DONAKOWSKI Energy

Systems

Analysis,

Institute

of Gas Technology,

Abstract-Design recommendations for radioactivity heat may be ovemphasizing radiation safety relative

IIT

Center.

concentrations to flammability

(Received 12 Nmmber

Chicago.

in gas streams hazards.

IL 60616,

U.S.A

derived

from

nuclear

1980)

Appendix B of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 20, stipulates a maximum concentration for 222Rnin air of 3 x 10m9&i/ml and for ‘H of 2 x lo-’ kCi/ml, for man-made sources of radioactivity.’ The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends lower values as design guides for synthesis gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) produced by steam reforming methane with nuclear heat. Travis cites a mean “‘Rn concentration in air of 8 x lo-” pCi/ml in houses surveyed in the New York City area: outdoor levels were one-fourth to one-eighth of this mean.2. In view of the levels of background radioactivity, 10 CFR 20 limits are impressively stringent. Perhaps radiation safety is being overemphasized. Flammability has been the overriding safety concern of the industrial gas industry. Nonetheless, natural radioactivity levels may be a health concern, especially where high levels of natural background radioactivity exist. REFERENCES I. U.S. Government Printing Office, United States Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR I Jan. 1980. 2. C. C. Travis, “Environmental Sources of Radon”. Paper presented at the American Francisco, II-15 Nov. 1979.

471

20,Appendix

B. Washington

D.C..

Nuclear Society Ann. Conf.. San