THE MULTI-ISOTOPE PROCESS (MIP) MONITOR: A NEAR-REAL-TIME, NONDESTRUCTIVE, INDICATOR OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING CONDITIONS

摘要

Researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and The Ohio State University areworking to develop a system for monitoring spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities on-line, nondestructively,and in near-real-time. This method, known as the Multi-Isotope Process (MIP)Monitor, is based upon the measurement of distribution patterns of a suite of indicator (radioactive)isotopes present within product and waste streams of a nuclear reprocessing facility. Signaturesfrom these indicator isotopes are monitored on-line by gamma spectrometry and compared, in nearreal-time, to patterns representing "normal" process conditions using multivariate patternrecognition software. By targeting gamma-emitting indicator isotopes, the MIP Monitor approach iscompatible with the use of small, portable, high-resolution gamma detectors that may be easilydeployed throughout an existing facility. In addition, utilization of a suite of radio-elements,including ones with multiple oxidation states, increases the likelihood that attempts to divertmaterial via process manipulation would be detected. Proof-of-principle modeling exercisessimulating changes in acid strength have been completed and the results are promising. Laboratoryvalidation is currently under way and significant results are available. The latest experimentalresults, along with an overview of the method will be presented.