Mixed Waste Focus Area/Characterization Monitoring Sensor Technology Nondestructive Waste Assay Capability Evaluation Project End-User Summary Report
The Mixed Waste Focus Area (MWFA) in conjunction with the Characterization Monitoring and Sensor Technology (CMST) crosscut program identified the need to objectively evaluate the capability of nondestructive waste assay (NDA) technologies. This was done because of a general lack of NDA technology performance data with respect to a representative cross section of waste form configurations comprising the Department of Energy (DOE) contact-handled alpha contaminated [e.g., transuranic (TRU) waste]. The overall objective of the Capability Evaluation Project (CEP) was to establish a known and unbiased NDA data and information base that can be used to support end-user decisions with regards to technology system selection and to support technology development organizations in identifying technology system deficiencies. The primary performance parameters evaluated in the CEP were measurement bias and relative precision. The performance of a given NDA technology is a direct function of the attributes represented by the waste matrix configuration. Such attributes include matrix density, matrix elemental composition, radionuclidic composition, radionuclide mass loading, and the spatial variation of these components. Analyzing the manner in which bias and precision vary as a function of test sample attribute and NDA technology provides a foundation for deriving performance capability and limitation statements and determines which waste matrix attributes, or combinations of attributes, are compatible or incompatible with existing technologies. The CEP achieved the stated end-user objective. The data indicate that the nondestructive waste assay systems evaluated have a definite capability to perform assay of contact-handled TRU waste packaged in 55-gallon drums. There is, however, a performance envelope where this capability exists, an area near the envelope boundaries where it is questionable, and a realm outside the envelope where the technologies do not perform. Therefore, the end user must be aware of this envelope and ensure the appropriate technology is selected. This program provides the end user with waste type specific performance data to assist in the assessment and selection of a given waste NDA technology. Additionally, the CEP afforded the private sector participants the opportunity to evaluate system performance using National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable radioactive significant enhancements to their respective systems and supported all participants in attaining DOE-CAO certification. Ultimately, the DOE end users will benefit from these enhancements.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-94ID13223
- OSTI ID:
- 768860
- Report Number(s):
- INEEL/EXT-98-01108; TRN: US0102943
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1 Nov 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Active and passive computed tomography mixed waste focus area final report
Active and passive computed tomography mixed waste focus area final report
Related Subjects
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
ALPHA-BEARING WASTES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MIXTURES
PERFORMANCE
WASTE FORMS
MATRIX MATERIALS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
MIXED WASTE FOCUS AREA (MWFA)
NONDESTRUCTIVE ASSAY (NDA)
CONTACT-HANDLED
ALPHA CONTAMINATED
MEASUREMENT BIAS
RELATIVE PRECISION
WASTE MATRIX
MATRIX DENSITY
MATRIX ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION
RADIONUCLIDIC COMPOSITION
MASS LOADING
SPATIAL VARIATION
55-GALLON DRUMS