Analysis of Fission Gas Release Kinetics by On-Line Mass Spectrometry

作者：Zerega Yves^*; Reynard Carette Christelle; Parrat Daniel; Carette Michel; Brkic Boris; Lyoussi Abdallah; Bignan Gill; Janulyte Aurika; Andre Jacques; Pontillon Yves; Ducros Gerard; Taylor Steve

来源：IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 2012, 59(4): 1323-1334.

DOI：10.1109/TNS.2011.2179315

• 2D/3D ion trap mass spectrometry
• in-pile and out-of-pile fission gas release kinetics measurement
• material testing reactor
• multiphoton ionization
• on-line mass filter

The release of fission gases (Xe and Kr) and helium out of nuclear fuel materials in normal operation of a nuclear power reactor can constitute a serious limitation of the fuel lifetime. Moreover, radioactive isotopes of Xe and Kr contribute significantly to the global radiological source term released in the primary coolant circuit in case of accidental situations accompanied by loss of fuel rod integrity. As a consequence, fission gas release investigation is of prime importance for the nuclear fuel cycle economy, and is the driving force for numerous R%26D programs. In this domain, for understanding current fuel behavior issues, preparing the development of new fuels (e. g., for Gen IV power systems) and for improving modeling prediction capability, there is a marked need for innovations in the instrumentation field, mainly for: %26lt;br%26gt;Quantification of very low fission gas concentrations, released from fuel sample and routed in sweeping lines, %26lt;br%26gt;Monitoring of quick gas release variations by quantification of elementary release during a short period of time, %26lt;br%26gt;Detection of a large range of atomic masses (e. g.,, HT, He, CO, CO2, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe), together with separation of isotopes for Xe and Kr elements, %26lt;br%26gt;Coupled measurement of stable and radioactive gas isotopes, by using mass spectrometry and gamma spectrometry techniques in parallel. %26lt;br%26gt;To fulfill these challenging needs, a common strategy for analysis equipment implementation has been set up thanks to a recently launched collaboration between the CEA and the University of Provence, with the support of the Liverpool University. It aims at developing a chronological series of mass spectrometer devices based upon quadrupole mass filters and 2D/3D ion traps with Fourier transform operating mode. These devices have superior performance to match the previous challenges for out-of-pile and in-pile experiments. The final objective is to install a high performance on-line mass spectrometer coupled to a gamma spectrometer in the fission product laboratory of the future Jules Horowitz Material Test Reactor. An intermediate step will consist of testing prototype equipment on an existing experimental facility in the LECA-STAR Hot Cell Laboratory of the CEA Cadarache. %26lt;br%26gt;This paper presents the scientific and operational risks linked to fission gas issues and summarizes the current state of art for analyzing them in nuclear facilities. It details the skills gathered through this collaboration and the development approach of the mass spectrometer set-up to overcome technological problems. Finally the paper describes a proposed implementation strategy for the nuclear research facilities of CEA Cadarache.

• 出版日期2012-8
• 单位中国地震局