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Title: Nondestructive waste assay capability evaluation project

Journal Article · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society
OSTI ID:644257
; ;  [1]
  1. Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies, Idaho Falls, ID (United States). Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Lab.

For most containerized waste forms, the most common and efficient means to determine the TRU material quantity is the use of nondestructive assay (NDA) techniques. Requirements and quality assurance objectives (QAOs) for NDA techniques employed to characterize TRU waste destined for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant are delineated in the National TRU Program Transuranic Waste Characterization Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP). These QAOs represent minimum performance requirements consisting of allowable measurement parameter ranges such as bias and precision for which compliance must be demonstrated in accordance with the prescriptions of the QAPP. To establish actual capabilities of existing nondestructive waste assay systems relative to the requirements of the QAPP, a mechanism is required to acquire performance data for waste types typical of the DOE inventory and to objectively evaluate such data. In accordance with this need, the DOE mixed waste focus area operating in conjunction with the characterization monitoring and sensor technology crosscut area program has instituted an assay capability evaluation project (CEP). The project is focused on mobile NDA technologies but is applicable to most permanently installed systems operating the same NDA technology. The evaluation project is currently being conducted at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC) using actual Rocky Flats Plant-generated waste forms currently in storage and appropriate matrix/radioactive material surrogates. Six mobile waste assay system technologies are participating in the CEP: (1) segmented gamma scanner; (2) active and passive computed tomography; (3) high-efficiency neutron counter; (4) IQ3-gamma assay system; (5) tomographic gamma scanner; and (6) an imaging passive/active neutron system.

OSTI ID:
644257
Report Number(s):
CONF-980606-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 98:008185
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 78; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Nuclear Society, Nashville, TN (United States), 7-12 Jun 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English