Our Portfolio: Characterization Projects

CMST Index | Characterization | TMWFA

Characterization of Remote-Handled Waste Drums Using Gamma Spectroscopy Combined with Acceptable Knowledge

Information
Resources

Technology
Summary Sheet

Images

 

TTP#: ID7-1-MW11; Tech ID: 2053
Project Overview
Conventional nondesctructuve assay (NDA) instrumentation, gamma spectrometry, and a known waste matrix will be used to evaluate remote-handled (RH) transuranic (TRU) waste NDA capabilities. Many RH waste streams differ from contact-handled waste in that they consist of heterogeneous hot cell debris that has been contaminated with test residue from destructive fuel examinations, rather than waste from weapons production. In many instances, major test programs have characterized the fuel that produced radioactive test residue contaminating the the hot cell debris. The existence of test fuel cell debris with specially-designed, but proven, gamma spectrometry instruments combined with detailed fuel irradiation and characterization histories are available for the fuel test programs. By measuring spectra from key isotopes, the fuel irradiation and characterization history can then be used to determine the quantities and types of isotopes in a given waste drum.

Technology Description
 Many remote-handled waste streams differ from contact-handled waste in that they consist of heterogeneous hot cell debris that has been contaminated with test residue from destructive fuel examinations, rather than waste from weapons production. In many instances, major test programs have characterized the fuel that produced radioactive test residue contaminating the hot cell debris. The existence of test fuel characterization information provides a unique opportunity to perform NDA on heterogeneous hot cell debris with specially-designed, but proven, gamma spectrometry instruments combined with detailed fuel irradiation and characterization histories which are available for the fuel test programs. By measuring spectra from key isotopes, the fuel irradiation and characterization history can then be used to determine the quantities and types of isotopes in a given waste drum.

Return to Top