Applications of a portable MCA in nuclear safeguards
In 1981 a small, battery-operated multichannel analyzer (MCA) prototype developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory was delivered to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The intent was to produce an instrument for inspector (nonscientist) use. Automated measurement programs were built into the MCA. An enhanced, commercially produced MCA is now available, which was patterned after and is software compatible with the prototype. After an extensive review of the hardware and software of the available portable MCAs, the IAEA has chosen this MCA to be used by IAEA inspectors throughout the world. Inspectors from the EURATOM Directorate of Safeguards are also using these MCAs in inspections throughout Europe. While this MCA's portability and programmability make it ideally suited for infield applications, its powerful built-in intelligence and communications protocol make it a strong candidate for distributed data acquisition and control systems. The user-instrument interface philosophy is so easy to use that in domestic and international training schools, the operators manual is not used.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., Los Alamos, NM 87545
- OSTI ID:
- 5962773
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-851009-
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States) Vol. NS-33:1; ISSN IETNA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DATA PROCESSING
DISTRIBUTED DATA PROCESSING
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
IAEA
INSPECTION
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
LASL
MULTI-CHANNEL ANALYZERS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
PROCESSING
PROGRAMMING
PULSE ANALYZERS
REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
REACTORS
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS