Systems for characterizing the weight, physical state and isotopic content of radioactive waste bearing containers. Containers are supplied to a weighing station (10) where the weight density of the contents may be determined. A conveyor (12) then takes the container to a turntable (14) where the entire container is scanned for gamma radiation to help determine the isotopic content. The gamma source located on the opposite of the turntable (14) from the gamma scanner (16) allows calibration of the gamma scanner (16) and compensation for attenuation of radiation by the container. A conveyor (18) then takes the waste container to a second turntable (20) where it is x-rayed (22, 24), to detect vibrations in free liquids within the container. A predetermined fraction of the containers is then directed to an active neutron analyzer to determine the characteristics of neutrons emitted from the container. The remaining fraction of drums bypasses the active neutron analyzer. In either case the drums are then removed from the characterization station. A calibration container containing waste of known isotopic content may also be included in the system and periodically pass through the system to properly calibrate all stations.
展开▼
