Applied BWR Radiochemistry:
Problem Assessment and Diagnosis

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The BWR Applied Radiochemistry course was developed by NWT to assist plant and corporate chemistry personnel to:

• Assess methods used to control activity transport and buildup relative to meeting ALARA objectives.
  
• Evaluate the various fuel activity release models and employ nuclide release distributions to assess fuel failure modes and estimate the number of fuel defects.
  
• Assess the radiological impact of the fuel failure mode.
  
• Apply radiochemical measurements to quantify plant system performance.

This course has been developed by senior NWT personnel who have been involved in nuclear power plant radioactivity measurements and activity transport control programs for over 40 years. This experience is complemented by consideration of the underlying physical and chemical principles in each area of instruction. Because of the nature of the course, senior NWT personnel provide all instruction (see resumes).

The course is intended for BWR chemistry personnel involved in radiochemical measurements, plant problem identification and diagnosis, and development of corrective actions. It assumes that the student is familiar with the fundamentals of radiochemistry and has a knowledge of the various plant systems. The course emphasis is on calculations and solution of problems. Students are requested to bring actual plant nuclide and chemistry data for problem input and discussion.

NWT BACKGROUND

NWT was formed in March 1974 to provide consulting and research and development services to the electric utilities in the areas of water chemistry, water treatment, corrosion, activity transport, radiochemistry and waste treatment. Since that time, NWT has provided services to over 50 utilities in the U.S. and overseas with emphasis on problem diagnosis. Extensive studies also have been performed on state-of-the-art technologies for EPRI. NWT staff members also have participated in industry committees chartered to develop chemistry guidelines for problem avoidance.

In the past few years, several training courses on the application of problem assessment techniques employed by the NWT staff during routine consulting activities have been developed. Utility plant and general office personnel have confirmed that these classes have been of significant value in their efforts to optimize their chemistry programs.

Based on the response to these courses. The radiochemistry course outlined below was developed specifically to assist BWR personnel actively engaged in the radiochemistry assessment area.

COURSE OUTLINE

LECTURERS

H. R. HELMHOLZ: Mr. Helmholz began his nuclear career in 1951 at Hanford. He subsequently joined the Case Institute of Technology where he organized the radiochemistry program and taught courses in nuclear chemistry. After several years at KAPL and at NRTS at Idaho Falls, where he supervised the S5G chemistry laboratory, he joined GE-Vallecitos and assumed responsibility for design and performance of chemical test programs at operating BWRs. Since joining NWT in 1981, he has had responsibility for numerous chemistry and radiochemistry projects including development of radioanalytical procedures, plant chemistry reviews, training course development and presentation, assessments of solid waste radioassay techniques, radwaste dose rate to curie conversions, effluent monitoring, shutdown radiation measurements and failed fuel characterization.

G. F. PALINO: Dr. Palino has been a Principal Consultant with NWT since 1979. From 1974 to 1979, he was associated with General Electric's Nuclear Energy Division. Prior to joining GE, Dr. Palino taught chemistry, radio-chemistry and engineering courses at San Jose State University, at Harvey Mudd College and at the Federal University of Rio de Janiero. Since joining NWT, Dr. Palino's responsibilities have included technical management of PWR primary and secondary system chemistry studies and BWR radiation level assessment and control programs. He also has developed and presented training courses for BWR and PWR chemistry staffs and has worked in the areas of radwaste treatment, volume reduction, tracer calibration of flowmeters, condensate demineralization and quantification of moisture carryover from PWR steam generators.

S. G. SAWOCHKA: Dr. Sawochka currently is President of NWT Corporation. He has been involved with consulting and R&D projects in the fields of water chemistry, water treatment, corrosion, and radwaste processing in BWR and PWR systems for 50 years. He previously was Manager of Water Chemistry Development for General Electric's BWR Systems Department. Dr. Sawochka has authored numerous publications in the referenced areas and has been an active member of EPRI committees that have developed guidelines for BWR and PWR chemistry control.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASS SCHEDULE: Classes will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday with one hour for lunch and 8:15 to noon on Thursday.

ENROLLMENT: Course enrollments are limited to 10. Reservations can be made by phone 408-281-1100, fax 408-578-0790 or e-mail. If you prefer, discuss your interests with the Program Director.

FEE: The $1,500 course fee includes all course material, break refreshments, lunches (3) and one scheduled dinner. Lodging and other meals are NOT INCLUDED. A Certificate of Participation is provided to each participant.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel your registration at least 3 weeks working days prior to the class start date, your fee minus a $50 administrative fee will be refunded. If you cancel less than 3 weeks prior, you will be liable for the full fee. Unfortunately, there can be no exceptions to this policy. Enrollment substitutions may be made at any time.

NWT Corporation reserves the right to cancel this class within two weeks of start date if fewer than three students are enrolled.

LOCATION/LODGING: The class will be held at the NWT offices in San Jose, California. Information on San Jose area hotels will be provided with enrollment confirmation.

ON SITE TRAINING SESSIONS: For information about holding this seminar at your site, employing plant specific data and system design information, please contact the Program Director. Customized reduced length seminars also can be developed.

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES: The following NWT courses also are intermittently offered at our San Jose offices:

PWR Operational Chemistry (4½ days)

Nuclear Fuel Status Assessment (2½ days)

These courses also can be customized for specific plants and held at the plant site or corporate office. One or two day seminars on specific subjects or directed at specific utility personnel also can be developed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. S.G. Sawochka (Program Director)
at (408) 281-1100, fax (408) 578-0790 or
e-mail: Sawochka@nwtcorp.com