Neutron methods for monitoring the blending of enriched UF{sub 6} gas
- Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
Blending a highly enriched UF{sub 6} gas stream with low-enrichment material reduces the excess supply of highly enriched uranium that must be closely controlled for non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Computer simulations and feasibility experiments show that inducing fission in {sup 235}U provides means for monitoring the blending process. Detecting delayed fission neutrons or gamma rays after fission products drift downstream in the gas gives a measure of {sup 235}U content and flow velocity. At very low UF{sub 6} gas pressures (5 mm Hg) where the downstream signal is too weak for use, an alternative technique based on attenuation of thermal neutrons passing through the UF{sub 6} gives a measure of {sup 235}U content.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 513130
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961123--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Measurement of {sup 235}U content and flow of UF{sub 6} using delayed neutrons or gamma rays following induced fission
Neutron methods for measuring {sup 235}U content in UF{sub 6} gas