Multidetector analysis system

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:20005762

Jewell, J K; Reber, E L; Cole, J D; Drigert, M W; Aryaeinejad, R

The multidetector analysis system (MDAS) is a new approach to the nondestructive analysis (NDA) of fissile and other radioactive material. The system uses multiple detectors of two different types to determine fissile isotopic content and quantity present in entire reactor fuel assemblies or waste drums measured by the system. The methods used in MDAS include coincidence spectroscopy with large detector arrays, coincidence gating, list-mode data acquisition, fast liquid scintillators, and pulse-shape discrimination. Although, MDAS relies on the fundamental physics and fast coincidence detection methods used by the nuclear and high-energy research communities, this application of determining the ratios of fissile isotopes is unique to this system and has been patented. Development of MDAS has been supported primarily by the US Department of Energy (DOE) spent nuclear fuel program. Characterization of spent reactor fuel, transuranic waste, and other fissile material is becoming increasingly important for environmental cleanup and weapons safeguards. Traditional radioanalysis measurements that relied on sampling and destructive analysis methods are less practical than they once were because of closing of facilities and hot cells. Traditional NDA measurements, which primarily treated radiation as a continuous emission of energy, are also becoming obsolete as spectral information is required for the most detailed characterization.

• Research Organization: INEEL/LMIT, Idaho Falls, ID (US)
• OSTI ID: 20005762
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 81; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
44 INSTRUMENTATION
COINCIDENCE SPECTROMETRY
DATA ACQUISITION
FISSILE MATERIALS
FISSION FRAGMENT DETECTION
GAMMA DETECTION
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
LIQUID SCINTILLATION DETECTORS
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
PULSE DISCRIMINATORS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS