A VERSATILE SYSTEM FOR MEASURING NUCLEAR WASTE IN 55-GALLON DRUMS

Publication Date
Volume
13
Issue
4
Start Page
28
Author(s)
T.W. Crane - Los Alamos National Laboratory
File Attachment
V-13_4.pdf4.78 MB
Abstract
A californium-based active assay system has been tested for measuring nuclear waste in 55-gal drums. The unit can be operated in either a thermal- or fast-neutron interrogation mode. In tests of the thermal mode, the detection limits observed were 12.5 mg for plutonium and 6.2 mg for 235u. The fast mode is recommended for accountability measurements where accuracy is of greater concern. Measurement of actual nuclear facility waste indicated more fissile material than was detected by passive gamma-ray counting.
Additional File(s) in Volume
V-13_1.pdf3.74 MB
V-13_2.pdf5.32 MB
V-13_4.pdf4.78 MB