Projects & Programs
Non-Destructive Assay
The PNNL Non-Destructive Assay Service Center performs diverse measurements of radioactive and nuclear materials. The program is designed to perform in many applications including:
- Waste container characterization of all sizes from small vials to large cargo containers
- Assessment of material hold-up in process equipment such as glove boxes, fume hoods, pipelines, ductwork, plenums and high-efficiency particulate air filters
- Confirmation and verification measurements of special nuclear materials for safeguards proposes
- Quantification fissile materials for criticality safety purposes
- Measurement of environmental media such as soil for characterization and scoping activities.
Depending on the task specifics, our NDA team uses a combination of state-of-the-art measurement instruments and modeling and calculation techniques. The team also has highly trained and experienced staff available for consultation, independent technical reviews and other intellectual assistance.
Mobile NDA Instruments include:
- Several Canberra in situ object counting systems with High Performance Germanium detectors; these versatile gamma-spectrometry systems can fit many field applications
- Multi-group analysis and PC FRAM software applied for plutonium and uranium isotopic analysis
- Several neutron slab detectors calibrated for measurements of many objects of various dimensions; these systems are capable of either neutron coincidence or totals counting.
These measurement systems can be quickly delivered and employed using our mobile NDA trailer. This trailer is used for transporting the equipment essentially anywhere and also used as office space for the NDA staff and computers while performing field measurements. The trailer is equipped with a propane-powered generator and can generate its own power supply if necessary. The powerful tandem of the mobile instruments and trailer equip our NDA team with all the tools necessary to quickly respond to virtually any onsite application, including backup emergency mobile laboratory for Department of Energy Region 8 emergency response.
Transportable equipment is usually used in the NDA laboratory in the 325 Building but can be transported to a client's specified location if desired. These systems include:
- Automated segmented gamma scanning and neutron coincidence counting system used to characterize 55-gallon drums of low-level or transuranic waste
- Well neutron coincidence counter designed for passive measurements of plutonium-bearing materials and active interrogation assay of enriched uranium. The counter is primarily used for safeguards applications.
A variety of reference materials (RM) is essential for the proper calibration and performance checks of any measurement equipment. The NDA Program possesses several sets of National Institute of Standards and Technology-traceable RMs spanning a wide range of isotopic composition and masses.
Nationally recognized technical expertise is provided by the NDA staff that includes scientists, well-trained and seasoned technicians and an experienced program manager that share more than 50 years of onsite and international experience in the field. The team is experienced in solving challenging measurements problems including demanding sensitivity requirements and unusual geometries.
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