IMPLEMENTATION OF USEC HEU TRANSFER PROGRAM

The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) highly enriched uranium (HEU) Transfer Program was established to facilitate placement of domestic uranium enrichment under a private corporation rather than continuing government management and oversight. To promote privatization by enhancing the assets and value of the private company, the USEC Privatization Act provided that the Department of Energy (DOE) transfer, without charge to USEC, up to 50 metric tons of HEU that was declared surplus to national security. A subsequent memorandum of agreement was signed by the Department of Energy and USEC in April 1998 to transfer the equivalent feed and separative work unit (SWU) of 50 metric tons of HEU at an average assay of 40%. The HEU was blended with natural uranium to an assay suitable for use as commercial nuclear fuel. The resulting fuel-grade oxide is being marketed by USEC to their utility customers. Shipping of HEU to the processor began in 1998, and was completed in 2005. Blending of the material will continue until mid-2006. The program schedule required some extensive scope change. Although the agreement stipulated that the HEU would be delivered “as-is,” this was changed to include size reduction of metal and sanitization of any classification concerns through casting prior to delivery. A portion of the HEU was rejected by USEC due to unsuitable uranium isotopic ratios, or other chemical and isotopic contamination, but was replaced with acceptable material by DOE. Subsequent to the agreement, more material was added to the program to recompense USEC for some liabilities incurred. A number of problems were encountered and addressed during processing of this material. Details of material identification, processing and blend down of the HEU will be presented focusing on issues encountered with sampling and analysis, processing, determination of shipping completion, and the benefits of the program to society.