REMOTE-CONTROLLED NDA SYSTEMS FOR FEED AND PRODUCT STORAGE AT AN AUTOMATED MOX FACILITY

Year
1989
Author(s)
R. Abedin-Zadeh - International Atomic Energy Agency
T. Ohtani - Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation
S. Takahashi - Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation
H.O. Menlove - Los Alamos National Laboratory
M. Seya - Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation
B. Hassan - International Atomic Energy Agency
S. Napoli - International Atomic Energy Agency
Abstract
Nondestructive assay (NDA) systems have been developed for use in an automated mixed oxide (MOX) fabrication facility. Unique features have been developed for the NDA systems to accommodate robotic sample handling and remote operation. In addition, the systems have been designed to obtain International Atomic Energy Agency inspection data without the need for an inspector at the facility at the time of the measurements. The equipment is being designed to operate continuously in an unattended mode with data storage for periods of up to one month. The two systems described in this paper include a canister counter for the assay of MOX powder at the input to the facility and a capsule counter for the assay of complete liquid-metal fast breeder reactor fuel assemblies at the output of the plant. The design, performance characteristics, and authentication of the two systems will be described. The data related to reliability, precision, and stability will be presented.