Comparative assessment of the Pu content of MOX samples by different techniques

The isotopic composition and concentration of Pu in eight "high-burn-up" mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel samples has been determined by destructive and non-destructive techniques. In addition, the U concentration and U isotopic composition was also available from the destructive techniques. The applied non-destructive techniques were gamma spectrometry, calorimetry and neutron coincidence counting, while the destructive techniques were titration, alpha spectrometry and thermal ionization mass spectrometry combined with isotope dilution. The current study describes the measurements and compares the results obtained by the mentioned techniques. Some lessons learned for the improvement of the non-destructive assay are also discussed.JRC.E.7-Nuclear Safeguards and Forensic

In-field Timely and Accurate Measurements - Fundamental to Minimising Safeguards Issues in Reprocessing Facilities

The two large reprocessing plants in Europe, located in Sellafield (UK) and La Hague (F) have a throughput of 800 t and 1600 t of spent fuel per year. In order to meet the safeguards criteria of quantity, timeliness and probability (QTP), these facilities deserve particular attention and appropriate safeguards measures have to be implemented. At either plant Euratom installed an on-site laboratory where the verification measurements are performed with minimal time delays and at highest possible accuracy.JRC.E-Institute for Transuranium Elements (Karlsruhe