Chlorine Release from Hypalon Cable Insulation during Severe Nuclear Reactor Accidents

Abstract

Pyrolytic dehydrochlorination of the electrical cable insulation Hypalon was studied as a function of time and temperature. The chlorine evolution was determined separately by means of on-line activity measurements and by neutron activation analysis in the temperature range 200°C to 300°C, with one test conducted at 500°C. The object of the research was to determine the chlorine release and the chlorine release fraction as a function of temperature. The data obtained were needed to formulate conclusions regarding the release mechanisms of chlorine. Estimates of the amount of hydrochloric acid released to the containment building in a severe reactor accident were also calculated. It can be concluded that the amount of chlorine release from the Hypalon cable is significant and will have an effect on iodine behavior in a severe accident.