Neutron experiments at Portsmouth for measuring flow and {sup 235}U content in UF{sub 6} gas
The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant produces enriched uranium for use in commercial power reactors. The plant also aids disposal of excess high-enrichment uranium (HEU) by blending it with lower-enrichment material. Experiments were conducted to test two neutron-based methods for monitoring the down-blending of HEU. Results of the initial experiments showed that gas (on-off) could be detected, but that additional tests and data are needed to quantify the flow velocity and {sup 235}U content. The experiments used a {sup 252}Cf neutron source to induce fission in a small fraction of the {sup 235}U contained in the UF{sub 6} gas. The first method measured the attenuation of neutrons passing through the low-pressure UF{sub 6} gas in a 7.6-cm diameter pipe. The concept was based on the fact that some of the thermal neutrons are absorbed by {sup 235}U, thus changing the observed count rate. The second method, tested on a 20-cm diameter pipe where gas pressure was higher, used a modulated neutron flux to induce fission in the {sup 235}U. Modulation was achieved by moving a neutron source. During both experiments, plant monitoring equipment showed that light gases (freon, oxygen, and nitrogen) were present in widely varying amounts, along with the UF{sub 6} gas. These gases may have affected the experimental results, at least to the extent that they replaced UF{sub 6}. This report also contains results of computer simulations and tests performed on the electronics after the experiments were completed at Portsmouth. Recommendations are made for follow-on work to measure the flow velocity and {sup 235}U content.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 495718
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-11566; ON: DE97053055
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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