Year
2002
Abstract
A new feature in a processing line at the Savannah River Site (SRS) was the addition of fixed NaI detectors located at strategic points in the processing line. There are many uses of this instrumentation: Process control, MC&A, and criticality safety. In this particular application, there were 23 such strategic points identified. The data can be collected and analyzed in real time at a central point located outside any Radiation Buffer Area. This also allows the data to be collected without sampling or protective equipment requirements. The cost savings in time, cost, and timely production provided by this system are well established. This paper presents an anecdotal story regarding this particular application. As the NDA business is not as well established to Operations staff as the wet chemical methodologies, Operations staff often does not realize the full potential of such equipment. In this particular case the evidence was overwhelming that there was no material in a particular processing area. Laboratory analysis from the feed and the output streams, preliminary material balances, process knowledge, and operating observations all led to the same conclusion: the process was completed and only an insignificant heel remained. However, the fact remained the fixed detector still measured a count rate several orders of magnitude higher than previous heel measurements. Confidence in the NDA equipment waned, even among the NDA staff. After several weeks and several attempted resolutions, including the replacement of the detector system, it was finally confirmed that a significant amount of material remained at this location. This story helps build the NDA specialist and management’s confidence in their equipment and methodologies.