A Modular Enrichment Measurement System for In-Situ Enrichment Assay

A modular enrichment measurement system has been designed and is in operation within General Electric's Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Facility for the in-situ enrichment assay of uranium-bearing materials in process containers. This enrichment assay system, which is based on the "enrichment meter" concept, is an integral part of the site's enrichment control program and is used in the in-situ assay of the enrichment of uranium dioxide (UC>2) powder in process containers (five gaUon pails). The assay system utilizes a commerciallyavailable modular counting system and a collimnator designed for compatability with process container transport lines and ease of operator access. The system has been upgraded to include a microprocessor-based controller to perform system operation functions and to provide data acquisition and processing functions. Standards have been fabricated and qualified for the enrichment assay of several types of uranium-bearing materials, including UC>2 powders. The assay system has performed in excess of 20,000 enrichment verification measurements annually and has significantly contributed to the Facility's enrichment control program.