Computer analyses support of an active neutron moisture probe for the Hanford Site tanks

Conference · Mon Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:10140575

Heer, D L; Toffer, H

Some of the older Hanford Site waste tanks contain significant quantities of Ferrocyanides. Ferrocyanides, under certain conditions, can sustain a self-propagating chemical reaction. The parameters of concern are moisture and temperature. If adequate moisture concentrations exist, such a reaction will be precluded. One of the most promising methods for determining moisture levels in the tanks involves deploymentof an active neutron probe in dry wells present in the tanks. Neutrons emitted by a source entering the tank material are moderated and scattered back to a detector. The probe response to various parameters such as moisture concentration, tank materials, and source-to-detector spacing was calculated using the Monte Carlo Neutron Photon (MCNP) computer code (LANL 1986). The usefulness of an existing active neutron probe in its current configuration appears limited for moisture measurement. The MCNP model suggests that the application of a source extender, a modification that was engineered into the probe design, may largelyenhance the probe`s moisture measurement capabilities.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-87RL10930
• OSTI ID: 10140575
• Report Number(s): WHC-SA--1721; CONF-930372--6; ON: DE93009418
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052002
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
663610
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
BORON FLUORIDES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
FERROCYANIDES
HANFORD RESERVATION
MODIFICATIONS
MOISTURE
MOISTURE GAGES
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NEUTRON DETECTION
NEUTRON PHYSICS
NEUTRON PROBES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
TANKS
WASTE DISPOSAL AND STORAGE