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TTP#:
FT0-6-IP01; Tech ID#: 2226
Project Overview
The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a
field-deployable pulsed gamma neutron activation analysis
(PGNAA) system capable of assaying the RCRA metal contents of
55-gallon drums of mixed waste. Westinghouse Science and Technology
Center was originally awarded a FETC Contract on 9/30/93 to
perform a treatability study using Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation
Analysis (PGNAA). The project objective was to develop, fabricate
and demonstrate an in situ analysis method for determining the
level of radioactive and hazardous contaminants in concrete floors
(with discrimination at higher regulatory levels) at selected DOE
sites. This project ended on 4/30/95. The contractor further
developed this analysis system for the more stringent requirements
of determining RCRA hazardous metals at lower detection levels when
their system was selected and successfully tested under a DOE Idaho
Operations Contract. Under this INEL contract, a performance test
was carried out during FY 1996 with funding from the DOE Mixed Waste
Focus Area (MWFA) to determine the non-invasive elemental assay
capabilities of commercial companies for RCRA metals present in
8-gallon drums containing surrogate waste. Commercial companies
were required to be experienced in the use of PGNAA techniques
and to have a prototype assay system with which to conduct the
test assays. Potential participants were identified through
responses to a call for proposals advertised in the
Commerce Business Daily and through personal contacts.
Six companies were originally identified. Two of these six were
willing and able to participate in the performance test, with some
subsidizing from the DOE MWFA. Of these two companies, the
Westinghouse Science and Technology Center scored the highest on
the performance test and successfully identified the presence of
RCRA elements cadmium, mercury and lead in all of the blind samples.
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