Neutron moisture meter measurement of waste packages

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Nuclear Technology

OSTI ID:282427

Perfettini, J ^[1]

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1. CEA Centre d`Etudes Nucleaires de Cadarache, Saint-Paul-lez Durance (France)

A neutronic method based on neutron thermalization by hydrogen nuclei is used to measure the moisture content in packages of radioactive waste embedded in hydraulic binders. The two steps of the measurement are (a) acquisition of the neutron characteristics of the embedded waste considered (or of a chemically similar material) and (b) the measurement itself obtained with a neutron moisture meter. The neutron moisture meter (containing a fast neutron source and a thermalized neutron detector) is portable. Measurements are taken at various depths in a core hole made in the package to draw a water profile. The measurements are taken in materials used for waste solidification and in active or inactive packages. The results obtained (free-water content) are in good agreement with those obtained by determining the weight loss at 120C (the differences between these two measurements are generally {approximately}10% when the free-water content is {approximately}20 to 25%). The water profiles allow one to detect the presence of excessive free water.

• OSTI ID: 282427
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology, Journal Name: Nuclear Technology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 115; ISSN 0029-5450; ISSN NUTYBB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
DESIGN
MEASURING METHODS
MOISTURE
MOISTURE GAGES
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
WASTE FORMS