Evaluation of the use of calorimetry for shipper-receiver measurements of plutonium

Technical Report · Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6723434

Rodenburg, W W

The relative merit of using calorimetry for standardized measurement of shipper-receiver (S-R) exchanges of plutonium is evaluated. In particular, this evaluation concentrates on the accountability and the diversion detection aspects of the use of calorimetry. Three different modes of use were considered: (1) calorimetry alone, that is, S-R exchanges based on power (watts) measurements; (2) calorimetry plus chemical assay, similar to the present weight plus chemical assay system; and (3) calorimetry plus gamma-ray spectrometry, a totally nondestructive plutonium assay method. The relative merit of each application was judged using the present methods as a base case. Some of the factors considered were random and systematic errors, timeliness, costs (both operating and capital) and reliability.

• Research Organization: Mound Plant (MOUND), Miamisburg, OH (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0053
• OSTI ID: 6723434
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CR-0014; MLM-2518; TRN: 78-015585
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
NUCLEAR MATERIALS DIVERSION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
PLUTONIUM
ACCOUNTING
CALORIMETRY
ERRORS
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
NEUTRON DETECTION
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SHIPPER-RECEIVER DIFFERENCES
ACTINIDES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ELEMENTS
MANAGEMENT
METALS
RADIATION DETECTION
SPECTROSCOPY
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
055001* - Nuclear Fuels- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability- Technical Aspects
400103 - Radiometric & Radiochemical Procedures- (-1987)