Demonstration of near-real-time accounting: the AGNS 1980-81 miniruns
Near-real-time nuclear materials accounting was demonstrated in a series of experiments at the Allied-General Nuclear Services (AGNS) Barnwell Nuclear Fuels Plant. For each experiment, the second and third plutonium cycles were operated continuously for 1 wk processing uranium solutions. Process data were collected in near-real time by the AGNS computerized nuclear materials control and accounting system and were analyzed for uranium removals using decision analysis techniques. Although the measurement system primarily consisted of process-monitoring measurements that were not optimized for near-real-time accounting, the results of uranium-removal tests showed that removals and unexpected losses from the process area can be detected. Los Alamos used process-grade measurements to close hourly materials balances. Loss-detection sensitivities for 1 day of between 4 and 18 kg of uranium, at 50% detection probability and 2.5% false-alarm probability, were calculated for selected accounting areas. Using pulsed-column inventory estimators, we calculated a total four-column inventory that was within 10% of column dump measurements. Loss-detection sensitivity could be improved by incorporating online waste stream measurements, improving laboratory measurements for process streams, and refining the pulsed-column inventory estimates.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5318219
- Report Number(s):
- LA-9942; ON: DE84008004
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Materials loss-detection sensitivities using process-grade measurement at AGNS BNFP
Demonstration of near-real-time accounting at the AGNS Barnwell Plant
Related Subjects
Inspection
& Accountability-- Technical Aspects
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ACCOUNTING
ACTINIDES
BARNWELL FUEL PROCESSING PLANT
DATA ACQUISITION
DETECTION
ELEMENTS
FUEL REPROCESSING PLANTS
MANAGEMENT
METALS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PLUTONIUM
REAL TIME SYSTEMS
REMOVAL
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
URANIUM