Review of methods for the detection of 10 nCi/g of transuranic isotopes in solid waste [electronic resource]
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| Online Access: |
Online Access |
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| Corporate Author: | |
| Format: | Government Document Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Livermore, Calif : Oak Ridge, Tenn. :
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ; distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy,
1977.
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| Abstract: | The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission has defined transuranic-contaminated waste as material that is contaminated with greater than 10 nCi/g of long-lived and highly toxic radionuclides. The analyses and techniques that show potential for detection at this low level are reviewed. The physics involved with the methods described is relatively straightforward, but difficulties arise in the actual application of the techniques. Therefore, discussion is concentrated on the application of the analyses, including the necessary calculational considerations and the potential problems that may be encountered. No simple method presently exists for measuring transuranic isotopes in solid waste material at the low level of 10 nCi/g. In the absence of an interfering background (< 1 mR/hr), gamma-ray spectroscopy is the best method available. Monitoring helium production in sealed waste material shows good potential for detection at the 10-nCi/g level. The only other viable method involves a complex procedure of counting spontaneous-fission neutrons, neutron irradiation, and counting delayed neutrons. However, if the minimum detectable level permitted in waste material were raised to ..mu..Ci/g, we would be able to use several more measurement methods detect almost all the transuranic isotopes present in solid waste. |
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| Item Description: | Published through the Information Bridge: DOE Scientific and Technical Information. 01/07/1977. "ucrl-52200" King, W.C. |
| Physical Description: | Pages: 47 : digital, PDF file. |