MEASUREMENT CONTROL PROGRAM FOR IN-LINE NDA INSTRUMENTS

A measurement control program has been developed for the nondestructive assay (NDA) instruments used in the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Dynamic Material Accountability (DYMAC) system. The NDA instruments range in complexity from digital electronic balances to minicomputer-based neutron and gamma-ray assay systems. The measurement control program serves two major functions. The first provides on-line checks of instrument accuracy and precision. The second provides a data base for defining and monitoring the systematic and random errors associated with individual instruments. Mathematical aspects of the measurement control program are presented and several specific examples of results are discussed.