Programmatic Lessons Learned During Rocky Flats Holdup Measurements Supporting Site Closure

摘要

The purpose of this report is to document the history of holdup measurements at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS) and to supply lessons learned from the management, training, staffing, and documentation of those measurements. Nuclear material holdup can build up in any location where fissile material is processed or handled; it can be found in ducts, pipes, filter plenums, tanks, gloveboxes, storage areas, pumps, filters, and even floors and walls. Holdup measurements at RFETS were primarily performed using the nondestructive assay technique of gamma-ray spectroscopy by the generalized geometry holdup technique. Holdup measurements were performed for material accountability and safety purposes. RFETS was closed in 2005. During its last fifteen years, advancements in holdup measurements were evaluated, implemented, or discarded. Key lessons learned are documented here.