Application of Lessons Learned: How Independent Oversight Assessments Can Contribute to Knowledge Sharing in Nuclear Measurements

Assuring the quality of measurements for varying forms of nuclear materials presents many challenges. In particular, uncertainties about material geometry, orientation, and composition may require experts to make several simplifying assumptions. When this is not possible, as is often the case with measurements of holdup or in-process material, arbitrary relative uncertainties (in excess of 40 %) may be assigned. Because measurement assumptions may be subjective, many of the sites across the Department of Energy (DOE) complex employ different methods and technical justifications. Best practices and Opportunities for Improvement (OFI’s) identified during DOE Office of Enterprise Assessments (EA) appraisals offer a unique opportunity to observe and compare the various site-specific methods for conducting nuclear measurements. This paper discusses measurement methods observed at various sites across the DOE complex. The intent is to identify practices that may add to the overall body of knowledge across the nuclear measurements community, as well as to highlight key OFI’s. A further goal is to identify areas that may assist in knowledge transfer to new nuclear measurements scientists.