SHB Inc., Centennial, CO.
Health Phys. 2019 Jul;117(1):106-113. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001062.
In situ recovery or in situ leach (ISR/ISL) uranium facilities, also referred to in the past as "uranium solution mining" have operated since the late 1960s in the US and in recent years have accounted for over 70% of US production and, internationally, approximately half of worldwide uranium supplies. Note that throughout this paper, the uranium in situ recovery process, also known as in situ leach, will be abbreviated as "ISR." This paper presents a summary of the occupational radiation protection aspects of typical ISR processes being employed in the United States today that have traditionally used alkaline-based uranium recovery solutions known as lixiviants. The paper describes the health physics and associated monitoring programs necessary to adequately measure and control radiological doses to workers based on the radiological character of these processes. Although many radiological characteristics are similar to that of conventional mills, conventional-type tailings as such are not generated. However, liquid and solid by-product materials may be generated and impounded, which can result in sources of occupational exposure. Some special monitoring considerations are required due to the manner in which Rn gas is involved in the process. The major aspects of the health physics and radiation protection programs that have been developed at these facilities over many years are discussed and listed in the Conclusion section of the paper.
原地浸出采铀（ISR/ISL）设施，过去也被称为“铀溶液采矿”，自 20 世纪 60 年代末在美国运营以来，近年来已占美国铀产量的 70%以上，在国际上，约占全球铀供应的一半。请注意，在本文中，原地浸出采铀工艺也称为原地浸出，简称“ISR”。本文总结了美国目前采用的传统碱性铀回收溶液（浸出剂）的典型原地浸出工艺的职业辐射防护方面。本文描述了卫生物理学和相关监测计划，这些计划是基于这些过程的放射性特征，对工人的放射性剂量进行充分测量和控制所必需的。虽然许多放射性特征与传统工厂相似，但不会产生传统类型的尾矿。然而，可能会产生液体和固体副产品材料，并对其进行围堵，这可能会导致职业暴露的来源。由于 Rn 气体参与该过程的方式，需要进行一些特殊的监测考虑。本文讨论并列出了这些设施多年来制定的卫生物理学和辐射防护计划的主要方面。
