Use of a Sensitive Gamma Assay System for Classification of Waste in a Plutonium Stabilization Facility
A sensitive Qualitative and Quantitative (Q2) gamma assay instrument manufactured by CANBERRA Industries has been installed in a Department of Energy (DOE) plutonium stabilization facility to segregate low level waste (LLW) from transuranic (TRU) waste. At a life-cycle disposal cost of approximately $1,221 per cubic foot more to dispose of TRU waste compared to LLW disposal, a significant savings can be achieved if it can be shown that waste previously classified as TRU waste is in fact below the TRU threshold of 100nCi/g. Traditional neutron and gamma measurement methods have not been sensitive enough to detect tens of nano-curies-per-gram levels of transuranic radionuclides. With classification made according to the location of origin of the waste, the result has been some waste classified as TRU that is in fact LLW. The Q2 has the required sensitivity with a 239Pu minimum detectable level below 20nCi/g for waste in the net weight range of 17 to 35 kg. In the first months of operation the instrument identified as LLW thirty-two of forty-two waste containers previously classified as TRU. This resulted in a cost saving of $250,000. An estimate of the projected cost savings shows the savings should pay for all costs associated with the project within 18 months of startup.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 4797
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS-99-00136; ON: DE00004797
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Application of spectral summing to indeterminate suspect low-level drums at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Application of spectral summing to suspect low level debris drums at Los Alamos National Laboratory