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Title: NUCLEAR MATERIALS CONTROL SYSTEM (NMCS). PHASE II. LIQUID LEVEL INSTRUMENTS FOR A NUCLEAR FUELS REPROCESSING PLANT

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4220235

Liquid level instrumentation for a nuclear fuels reprocessing plant was evaluated for possible application in a Nuclear Materials Control System (NMCS). Two basic types of instruments were considered: Pneumatic "bubbler" systems, intended primarily for use with radioactive solutions, and fielden (capacitance) probes, intended for use with decontaminated product solutions. A pnenmatic instrument system using a two dip-tube assembly was built and installed in the product tank of the NMCS Test Loop. The system was tested with various aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate in nitric acid. Methods for calibration of tank volumes and liquid level instruments are discussed. The precision of a two dip- tube system was found to be 0.6 percent of the full scale value (65 inches) and the results of the statistical analysis of the calibration data are presented at the 95 percent confidence level. A four dip-tube assembly with dual sensing elements and appropriate tamper-resistant features is recommended for NMCS use. The Fielden capacitance instrument has been extensively tested at the Savannnh River Plant where it was found to be vulnerable to radiation damage. Therefore, it can be used only with decontaminated material. Shielded capacitance probes with appropriate tamper-resistant features are recommended for NMCS use. (auth)

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Electric Corp. Atomic Power Dept., Pittsburgh
DOE Contract Number:
AT(30-1)-2176, TASK 1
NSA Number:
NSA-14-002468
OSTI ID:
4220235
Report Number(s):
WCAP-6034
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English