Radiolytic Gas Generation and Pressure Buildup in a Closed System Containing Mo-99 Solution
This study measured radiolytic gas generation and pressure buildup in a sealed stainless-steel system containing alkaline Mo-99 solution with added sodium nitrate as a hydrogen suppressant. In each of two experiments, approximately 200 Ci of Mo-99 solution was transferred into a closed experimental vessel inside a hot cell, isolated, and monitored for pressure rise caused by gas generation during radioactive decay. After pressure buildup, headspace gas samples were collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry to determine hydrogen and oxygen concentrations. The purpose was to quantify the magnitude of pressure buildup in a closed system and to characterize the gas composition produced by radiolysis of the Mo-99 target solution under representative handling and storage conditions. The two experiments used similar total Mo-99 activity but differed in solution volume, headspace volume, and leak integrity. In the first experiment, 197.5 Ci of Mo-99 in 16.92 mL of solution was loaded into a vessel with a 31.1-mL headspace; a small leak was later identified, and the measured peak pressure of 46 psig was extrapolated to about 70 psig in the absence of leakage. The headspace gas from this experiment contained about 21.4% H2 and 63.4% O2, but the composition was influenced by preferential hydrogen loss through the leak. In the second experiment, 193 Ci of Mo-99 in 5.41 mL of solution with 0.46 g NaNO3 was loaded into a vessel with a larger 42.61 mL headspace, and no detectable leak was observed. This experiment reached a peak pressure of 38 psig, and the measured gas composition was approximately 28.2% H2 and 51.5% O2. Because the second experiment was leak-free, it is considered the more reliable indicator of the true pressure buildup and intrinsic radiolytic gas composition of the Mo-99 solution.