Implementation of the Fissile Mass Flow Monitor Source Verification and Confirmation

Year
2007
Author(s)
Tanner Uckan - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Danny Powell - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dennis Nelson - Sandia National Laboratories
Radoslav Radev - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Abstract
This paper presents the verification procedure for neutron sources installed in U.S. Department of Energy equipment used to measure fissile material flow. The Fissile Mass Flow Monitor (FMFM) equipment determines the 235U fissile mass flow of UF6 gas streams by using 252Cf neutron sources for fission activation of the UF6 gas and by measuring the fission products in the flow. The 252Cf sources in each FMFM are typically replaced every 2 to 3 years due to their relatively short half-life (~ 2.65 years). During installation of the new FMFM sources, the source identity and neutronic characteristics provided by the manufacturer are verified with the following instruments: (1) a remote-control video television (RCTV) camera monitoring system is used to confirm the source identity, and (2) a neutron detection system (NDS) is used for source-strength confirmation. Use of the RCTV and NDS permits remote monitoring of the source replacement process and eliminates unnecessary radiation exposure. The RCTV, NDS, and the confirmation process are described in detail in this paper.