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Title: An evaluation of the use of calorimetry for shipper-receiver measurements of plutonium

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/288785· OSTI ID:288785

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the relative merit of using calorimetry for shipper-receiver (S-R) exchanges of Pu. In particular, this evaluation concentrates on the accountability and the diversion detection aspects of calorimetry. Three different modes of use were considered: (1) calorimetry alone, that is S-R exchanges based on power (wattage) measurements; (2) calorimetry plus chemical assay, similar to the present weight plus chemical assay system, and (3) calorimetry plus gamma-ray spectrometry, a totally nondestructive Pu assay method. The relative merit of ball three applications was judged using the present methods as a base case. Some of the factors considered were random and systematic errors, timeliness, costs (both operating and capital) and reliability.

Research Organization:
Monsanto Research Corp., Miamisburg, OH (United States). Mound Facility
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00053
OSTI ID:
288785
Report Number(s):
MLM-MU-77-72-0009; ON: DE96013864
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Dec 1977
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English