Year
1980
Abstract
A review of nondestructive assay technology for enrichment plant safeguards is presented with emphasis on field experience. Actual and potential applications of this technology in domestic and international safeguards are described. Domestic applications of NDA emphasize verification of uranium enrichment in UF& storage cylinders and measurement of uranium in scrap and waste materials. Intern'tional applications also would involve measurements to detect covert production of uranium enrichments above declared values. The state of development and application of standard techniques, e.g. gamma-ray and passive neutron assay of 235U in UF6 cylinders, are reviewed critically based on experience at the U. S. gaseous diffusion plants. Random driver measurements and segmented gamma scanning of wastes and trap materials are described. New instruments, such as portable intrinsic Ge detectors and enrichment monitors for gaseous UF& are identified.