AN ENRICHED URANIUM SCRAP ASSAY GAGE

Year
1966
Author(s)
H. Donald Moss - Westinghouse Electric Corporation
W.G. McNamara - Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Abstract
In 1962 a prototype enriched uranium scrap assay gage was built (using on-hand instruments and equipment). The purpose was to investigate the feasibility of a device of this type being used for accountability and criticality control. If the gage would permit criticality and accountability measurements with a high probability of being within specified limits, this would (1) insure nuclear safety during shipment, and (2) allow a more objective decision concerning recovering or discarding the material in question. The results of the experimentation with the prototype were so promising that the decision was made to design and construct a gage that would be more precise. During the next two to three years the gage evolved to its present configuration.