Gamma neutron assay method and apparatus
The gamma neutron assay technique is an alternative method to standard safeguards techniques for the identification and assaying of special nuclear materials in a field or laboratory environment, as a tool for dismantlement and destruction of nuclear weapons, and to determine the isotopic ratios for a blend-down program on uranium. It is capable of determining the isotopic ratios of fissionable material from the spontaneous or induced fission of a sample to within approximately 0.5%. This is based upon the prompt coincidence relationships that occur in the fission process and the proton conservation and quasi-conservation of nuclear mass (A) that exists between the two fission fragments. The system is used in both passive (without an external neutron source) and active (with an external neutron source) mode. The apparatus consists of an array of neutron and gamma-ray detectors electronically connected to determine coincident events. The method can also be used to assay radioactive waste which contains fissile material, even in the presence of a high background radiation field. 7 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- Assignee:
- EG G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5378895; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 8-149874
- OSTI ID:
- 6893296
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 12 Nov 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Impact of lump characteristics on self-shielding corrections of active neutron interrogation on fissile material in waste - 15405
Multi-Detector Analysis System for Spent Nuclear Fuel Characterization
Related Subjects
37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
FISSIONABLE MATERIALS
RADIOASSAY
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
COINCIDENCE METHODS
GAMMA DETECTION
NEUTRON DETECTORS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
NUCLEAR WEAPONS DISMANTLEMENT
SAFEGUARDS
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
DETECTION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
WASTES
055001* - Nuclear Fuels- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability- Technical Aspects
400101 - Activation
Nuclear Reaction
Radiometric & Radiochemical Procedures
052000 - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Management