Strategy for Characterizing Transuranics and Technetium Contamination in DepletedUF(sub 6) Cylinders

摘要

This report summarizes results of a study performed to develop a strategy forcharacterization of low levels of radioactive contaminants (plutonium (Pu), neptunium (Np), americium (Am), and technetium (Tc)) in depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF(sub 6) ) cylinders at the gaseous diffusion plants in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Paducah, Kentucky; and Piketon, Ohio. In these gaseous diffusion plants, this radioactivity came from enriching recycled uranium (the so-called 'reactor returns') from Savannah River, South Carolina, and Hanford, Washington, reactors. Results of this study will be used to support a request for proposals to design, build, and operate facilities to convert the DUF(sub 6) to more chemically stable forms. These facilities would need to be designed to handle any transuranic contaminants that might be present in order to (1) protect the workers' health and safety and (2) protect the public and the environment.