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SEPTEMBER 2021 | SRNS TODAY | 3
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Operators use manipulators and basic hand tools to conduct initial disassembly of the cutter head inside the TRP module. Lead-plated glass provides radiation shielding.
Reducing worker radiation exposure

during TEF equipment maintenance

perators from SRNS successfully executed an innovative idea cutter head, as well as being an excellent example of real-world
that reduced radiation exposure to workers performing cutter application of ALARA principles.
O head maintenance in the SRS Tritium Extraction Facility (TEF). “Operators used remote manipulators to maneuver basic hand tools
SRS is committed to safely executing its missions in support of the and remove 30 screws from the cutter head’s bottom plate,” Huckabee
nation’s nuclear deterrent and utilizes radiological safety practices said. “That took several days of tedious work, but afterward, they were
designed to incorporate As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) able to remotely remove the cutter head’s filter, which contained a
principles of time, distance and shielding. large portion of the radiation dose. The grit is also highly radioactive,
A cutter head is part of the Breaching Tool Robot used to remove the so operators used remote manipulators to clean the accessible areas
top of Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rods (TPBARs), allowing of the cutter head to remove as much as possible. These steps were
tritium to be extracted from the rods when they are heated in a critical to reducing worker exposure levels and time required to do the
furnace during the extraction process. Ultimately, the tritium is loaded subsequent Hot Maintenance refurbishment.”
into containers, called reservoirs, and shipped to the Department of After remotely lifting the cutter head out of the TRP module and
Defense, where they are installed in weapons.
placing it in Hot Maintenance, mechanics, engineering and radiation
“TPBARs come from an active reactor and are radioactive upon protection personnel entered. Wearing personal protective equipment,
arrival at SRS,” said Joey Huckabee, SRNS TEF Facility Manager. they completely disassembled, inspected, cleaned, greased and
“Consequently, each time the cutter head is used on a TPBAR, it builds reassembled it. They tested the refurbished cutter head to ensure it
up a dose rate, complicating the refurbishing process. The cutter head operated properly before they returned it to service.
requires refurbishing after a number of uses to ensure proper operation “While the NNSA’s tritium extraction mission already implements
and to remove grit buildup caused by the cutting process. Commitment a multitude of safety procedures, we are committed to continually
to ALARA principles while performing cutter head maintenance is evaluating and refining our practices,” said Jason Armstrong, NNSA
vital to ensuring worker safety and health. Time should be minimized, Savannah River Field Office Manager. “Innovations such as this
distance should be maximized and shielding should be used while show the NNSA’s commitment along with our contract partners to
working on it.” continue to execute our critical national security mission as safely and
To reduce exposure levels, an experienced crane operator shared efficiently as possible.”
an innovative idea to do the initial cutter head disassembly remotely SRNS Senior Vice President – NNSA Operations and Programs
inside the Target Rod Prep (TRP) module, an enclosed space Mark Davis said, “We are committed to ensuring our country’s
that protects workers from radiation. All previous cutter head national security needs are met, so it’s vital that the equipment we
refurbishments were completed inside Hot Maintenance, where use to provide the tritium needed for our nation’s nuclear deterrent
personnel conduct maintenance on equipment exposed is properly functioning. As the backbone of deterrence in support
to radiation.
of peace, worker safety and health are vital to ensuring continued
This idea worked brilliantly, resulting in a 27% total dose reduction mission success. I’m proud to work with a team who embraces
to workers and 22% reduction in the time required to refurbish the innovative ideas to meet the complex challenges we face.”