ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AND NUCLEAR SAFEGUARDS IN A NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING PLANT

The measurement of special nuclear materials in various areas of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is based on a combination of conventional analytical chemistry and NDA techniques. Measurement procedures at various points must be selected with consideration for nuclear safeguards needs as well as process control requirements. Conventional analytical methods, generally developed for analysis of weapons-grade plutonium, must be adapted for reprocessing solutions. In-line instrumentation should be evaluated for optimum precision and accuracy, and possible sources of interference should be identified.