GENERAL RESEARCH LINES OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR RADIOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN AFTEREFFECTS OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, SEVERE RADIATION ACCIDENTS, AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
1. Radiochemical investigations in transuranium and fission-fragment radionuclide behavior in environmental objects, examination of present-day radioactive contamination in nuclear test grounds, sites for peaceful nuclear explosions realization, and also at radiation-dangerous facilities, where severe radiation accidents have taken place
The following works have been implemented under this line:
- integrated radiological investigation in inhabited settlements located around the former Semipalatinsk test ground;
- radiation examination of testing system in Degelen Rock Massif of the former Semipalatinsk test ground prior to final sealing of aids and after it;
- radiation monitoring of RF Central Test Ground in the New Land archipelago after ceasing of nuclear tests;
- radiation inspection of all the bays of the New Land archipelago, where they have disposed solid radioactive waste;
- radio ecological inspection of several areas in Arkhangelsk Region;
- radio ecological inspection of inhabited settlements in Leningrad Region, contaminated as a result of Chernobyl catastrophe.
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Truck-mounted γ-spectrometric laboratory, when investigating the former Semipalatinsk test ground
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Radium Institute's employees before their entry into the aid at the former Semipalatinsk test ground
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2. Investigation of radiochemical processes running at radioactive waste and material disposal in low-permeable geological formations
The following works have been implemented under this line:
- substantiation of the possibility of ecologically and radiation-safe disposal of conditioned intermediate-level radioactive waste in underground repositories in Cambrian clay deposits;
- together with Laboratory for applied mineralogy and geochemistry - substantiation of Nizhnekanskiy granitoid massif's advisability and availability for conditioned HLW long-term storage and final disposal.
3. Radiation monitoring of xenon and krypton radionuclides, and also radioactive aerosols in atmospheric air
Regarding this working line, they realize monitoring of xenon radionuclides in atmospheric air of the New Land, S.-Petersburg and Leningrad Region, in Doubna, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, and other regions .
4. Development of spectrometric equipment, including that adapted to the problems of various economy branches
The following completely automated equipment is already designed and it's manufacturing is ongoing:
- high-sensitivity systems for stationary and mobile monitoring of 133èÅ, 135èÅ, 131mèÅ and 135èÅ radionuclides content in atmospheric air;
- installations for spectrometric analysis of radioactive aerosols;
- high-sensitivity laboratory equipment for non-destructive β - and γ - spectrometric analysis;
- portable spectrometric equipment for field investigations.
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High-sensitivity β,γ-coincidence spectrometer MKSR
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Analyzer of radioactive xenon isotopes ("ARIKS-02"), automatically controlled and destined to be operated at international stations on radionuclide monitoring within the frameworks of Nuclear Tests Termination Control Agreement
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β, γ -Spectrometric aerosol analyzer "Jasmine""
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5. Elaboration of standard and methodical documentation for the management of materials contaminated with natural and man-made radionuclides
In 2002-2004 the following standard documents were prepared:
- The management of industrial waste containing natural radionuclides in branch societies and organizations of PC "Gazprom" (Methodical instructions for radiation safety).
- Regulations for transport of radioactive waste and industrial waste with increased content of natural eadionuclides (NRN), generated at the plants of PC "Gazprom".
- Recommendations for radiation safety assurance at possible accumulation of natural radionuclides in equipment for maintenance and operating personnel.
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