VERIFICATION OF PLUTONIUM BEARING MATERIALS BY NONDESTRUCTIVE CALORIMETRIC ASSAY

Year
1973
Author(s)
W.W. Rodenburg - Mound Laboratory
W.W. Strohm - Mound Laboratory
Abstract
In early 1972 at the request of the Division of Nuclear Materials Security, 65 samples of plutonium were pulled from an AEC contractor inventory and shipped to Mound Laboratory for nondestructive plutonium analysis. A combination of calorimetry and gamma-ray techniques were used. Since then, over 100 additional analyses have been performed for the AEC/ALO and AEC/SAN Operations Offices. These samples have ranged from one to 2200 grams of plutonium representing many different categories including mixed Pu-U oxides, metal, and several types of scrap and ash. Our experiences to date, as well as future directions, are presented.