THE MULTI-ISOTOPE PROCESS (MIP) MONITOR: A NEAR-REAL-TIME, NON-DESTRUCTIVE, INDICATOR OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING CONDITIONS
Researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and The Ohio State University are working to develop a system for monitoring spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities on-line, non-destructively, and in near-real-time. This method, known as the Multi-Isotope Process (MIP) Monitor, is based upon the measurement of distribution patterns of a suite of indicator (radioactive) isotopes present within product and waste streams of a nuclear reprocessing facility. Signatures from these indicator isotopes are monitored on-line by gamma spectrometry and compared, in near-real-time, to patterns representing "normal" process conditions using multivariate pattern recognition software. By targeting gamma-emitting indicator isotopes, the MIP Monitor approach is compatible with the use of small, portable, high-resolution gamma detectors that may be easily deployed throughout an existing facility. In addition, utilization of a suite of radio-elements, including ones with multiple oxidation states, increases the likelihood that attempts to divert material via process manipulation would be detected. Proof-of-principle modeling exercises simulating changes in acid strength have been completed and the results are promising. Laboratory validation is currently under way and significant results are available. The latest experimental results, along with an overview of the method will be presented.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 990561
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-66996; AF5835000; TRN: US1007322
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
DISTRIBUTION
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
MONITORING
MONITORS
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PATTERN RECOGNITION
REPROCESSING
SIMULATION
VALENCE
VALIDATION
WASTES
MIP Monitor
MPC&A
process monitor
reprocessing
safeguards
gamma detector
Principal Components Analysis