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Gamma Coincidence Isotopic Characterization of RH-TRU Waste (MDAS)

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TTP#: ID7-8-MW23; Tech ID: 2052
(Formerly Characterization of Remote-Handled Waste Drums using Multi Detector Analysis System)
Project Overview
This task supports the development of techniques for the non-destructive assay (NDA) of remote-handeled (RH) wastes. It is expected that a gamma-ray coincidence technique will provide radionuclide information without extensive prior knowledge of the waste matrix and history.
Technology Description
 NDA of RH wastes presents a unique problem. Isotopics are difficult to measure in RH wastes due to the high radiation background emitted from the sample. These high emissions interfere with the detection of signature emissions that identify the waste product. A gamma-ray coincidence system will be evaluated for use in non-destructive RH waste assay. The evaluation will be performed by baseline testing of the system response with competing sources of spontaneous fission and background gamma-ray emissions. Results of the evaluation will be used to iteratively refine a simple model of the system response as it applies to the RH-TRU inventory. Based on the system performance with varying signal and background source strengths, the model will be refined to accurately predict system performance on the waste inventory. It is anticipated that the resulting information can be used to determine the applicability of using a gamma-ray coincidence system for RH-TRU characterization.

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