Year
1983
Abstract
This paper describes a method of taking gas-phase or, equivalently, vapor-phase samples from cylinders containing solid or liquid UF6 for routine IAEA verification of UF5 enrichment and purity, and recommends it as a general replacement for routine liquid sampling of UFs cylinders performed during IAEA verification inspections. Described is the vapor sampling method and the associated equipment used at United States gaseous diffusion enrichment facilities. Using data from field test experiments at the Oak Ridge and Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plants, liquid-phase and vapor-phase UFs sampling methods are compared to statistically validate the vapor-phase sampling method in determining 235|j enrichment. Savings in cost, time, and sample storage and transportation are shown, as well as a large decrease in the amount of necessary sample inventory indefinitely held out of the process. In addition, a portable gas-phase sampling cart that can be used in both process and field sampling is described.