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Journal Articles

Improvement of INVS measurement uncertainty for Pu and U-Pu nitrate solution

Swinhoe, M. T.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Marlow, J. B.*; Makino, Risa; Nakamura, Hironobu

LA-UR-17-23474, 28 Pages, 2017/04

The Inventory Verification Sample system (INVS) has been used for IAEA verification measurement at the Plutonium Conversion Development Facility for MOX powder and Pu solution samples (measurement uncertainty: about 3-5%). If the measurement uncertainty can be improved (to $$sim$$1%), it is expected that the range of usage can be extended and it could reduce the number of destructive analyses. In order to improve the measurement uncertainty for solution samples, we conducted three different types of calibration method that are passive calibration curve method, known-$$alpha$$ method and multiplicity method after optimization of detector parameter and sample position. In the range of concentration of typical solution samples, a good correlation was found between measured doubles and $$^{240}$$Pu effective mass in the three methods. Especially, the result of the conventional calibration curve method and known-$$alpha$$ method met our target uncertainty within 1% (22 hours measurement). Since it is thought that background singles change may affect measurement uncertainty, an additional shielding was installed around the INVS to reduce those effects. This shielding improved measurement uncertainty in known-$$alpha$$ method. The results with this shielding suggests passive calibration method and known-$$alpha$$ method could achieve the target uncertainty within 1% less than 1 hour measurement time.

Journal Articles

Field test and evaluation of $$^{3}$$He replacement technologies; Development of HLNB counter

Tanigawa, Masafumi; Mukai, Yasunobu; Nakamura, Hironobu; Kurita, Tsutomu; Henzlova, D.*; Menlove, H. O.*

Dai-37-Kai Kaku Busshitsu Kanri Gakkai Nihon Shibu Nenji Taikai Rombunshu (CD-ROM), 9 Pages, 2017/02

no abstracts in English

Journal Articles

Field test of a full scale $$^{3}$$He-alternative HLNC-type counter; High Level Neutron counter-Boron (HLNB)

Henzlova, D.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Tanigawa, Masafumi; Mukai, Yasunobu; Nakamura, Hironobu

EUR-28795-EN (Internet), p.313 - 323, 2017/00

Facing the depletion of $$^{3}$$He gas supply and the continuing uncertainty of options for future resupply, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) designed and built a $$^{3}$$He free full scale thermal neutron coincidence counter based on boron-lined parallel-plate proportional technology. The counter was designed as a direct alternative to High Level Neutron Coincidence counter (HLNC-II). This paper provides a summary of performance evaluation of HLNB under realistic field conditions at Plutonium Conversion Development Facility (PCDF) of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The field test included a range of small to large mass MOX materials that represent realistic process samples and provided key insight on and validation of the feasibility of HLNB as a safeguards instrument in realistic facility environment. In particular, the results of verification measurements demonstrate that HLNB is capable to satisfy ITV expected for HLNC-II-type counter of 2.1% in 300s measurement time.

Journal Articles

Study on improving measurement accuracy of Epithermal Neutron Measurement Multiplicity Counter (ENMC)

Nomi, Takayoshi; Kawakubo, Yoko; Nagatani, Taketeru; Shiromo, Hideo; Asano, Takashi; Menlove, H. O.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Browne, M. C.*

Proceedings of INMM 57th Annual Meeting (Internet), 9 Pages, 2016/07

Journal Articles

Improved holdup blender assay system (IBAS) slope validation measurements to improve nuclear material accountancy of high alpha holdup

LaFleur, A. M.*; Nakamura, Hironobu; Menlove, H. O.*; Mukai, Yasunobu; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Marlow, J. B.*; Kurita, Tsutomu

Proceedings of 37th ESARDA Annual Meeting (Internet), p.435 - 441, 2015/08

The IBAS (Improved Holdup Blender Assay System) system for safeguards and nuclear material accountancy (NMA) of holdup measurements is used at PCDF. The purpose of this detector is to measure the doubles rate from each glovebox in order to determine the mass of Pu holdup. In order to establish calibration curves for the IBAS detector and improve the holdup measurement methodology, JAEA conducted the IBAS calibration exercise with LANL support using MOX standards in 2010. In 2011, a cleanout exercise was performed and the results showed that the holdup removed from the glovebox had a significantly higher alpha term (alpha = 15.8 - 31.5) than the MOX standards (alpha = 0.67) used to establish the 2010 calibration curves. To further investigate these findings, JAEA conducted slope validation measurements in 2013 to confirm the validity of IBAS calibration slopes for the case of high alpha holdup. This paper describes the IBAS slope validation tests, analysis of the experimental results, and the evaluation of the need for a correction factor for the high alpha holdup. Quantifying the alpha term of the holdup in each glove box and understanding how this value changes over time is important to improving the overall NMA at PCDF. The results from this work will provide invaluable experimental data that directly supports safeguards and NMA measurements of plutonium holdup in gloveboxes.

Journal Articles

JAEA's contribution to development of J-MOX safeguards system

Nagatani, Taketeru; Nakajima, Shinji; Kawakubo, Yoko; Shiromo, Hideo; Asano, Takashi; Marlow, J.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Menlove, H.*; Rael, C.*; Kawasue, Akane*; et al.

Book of Abstracts, Presentations and Papers of Symposium on International Safeguards; Linking Strategy, Implementation and People (Internet), 8 Pages, 2015/03

Journal Articles

Improvement of INVS measurement uncertainty for Pu nitrate solution

Makino, Risa; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Suzuki, Hisanori; Ikeda, Atsushi*; Menlove, H. O.*; Shimizu, Yasuyuki; Nakamura, Hironobu

Kaku Busshitsu Kanri Gakkai (INMM) Nihon Shibu Dai-35-Kai Nenji Taikai Rombunshu (Internet), 9 Pages, 2015/01

The Inventory Verification Sample system (INVS) is a non-destructive assay system for samples to quantify the Pu amount in Pu nitrate solutions and MOX with 31.3% of counting efficiency. It has been used for IAEA verification measurement for many years at the Plutonium Conversion Development Facility for the samples taken at the timing of PIV etc. as a partial defects verification system (uncertainty: about 3-5%). If the measurement uncertainty can be improved (to $$sim$$1%), it is expected that the usage can be extended to the operator's own measurements in MC&A to reduce the number of destructive analyses. In order to improve the measurement uncertainty for solution samples, after optimization of detector parameter and sample position, we conducted 3 different types of calibration method that is passive calibration curve, known-$$alpha$$ and multiplicity method to achieve the target uncertainty. To perform calibration and control the measurement quality, MOX fuel pellets with known Pu amount are fabricated and used. In the range of concentration of typical solution samples, we could confirm good correlations between measured doubles and $$^{240}$$Pu effective mass in the three methods. Especially, it was confirmed that the conventional calibration curve method could meet our target uncertainty ($$sim$$1%).

Journal Articles

Performance test results for the Advanced Fuel Assembly Assay System (AFAS) on the active length verification of LWR MOX fuel assembly by neutron detectors

Nakajima, Shinji; Nagatani, Taketeru; Shiromo, Hideo; Asano, Takashi; Marlow, J. B.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Rael, C. D.*; Kawasue, Akane*; Iso, Shoko*; et al.

Proceedings of INMM 55th Annual Meeting (Internet), 10 Pages, 2014/07

The Advanced Fuel Assembly Assay System (AFAS) is an unattended non-destructive assay (NDA) system by neutron measurement to verify the plutonium amount in an LWR plutonium and uranium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel assembly. The assembly will be fabricated in the MOX fuel fabrication plant under construction by the Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited. The AFAS has been developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory under the auspices of the Secretariat of Nuclear Regulation Authority in Japan. The AFAS is the first NDA system which will verify the active length of the assembly without inspector attendance. Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has conducted the performance test for the AFAS under the contract with Nuclear Material Control Center to demonstrate this active length verification technology by using MOX fuel assemblies owned by JAEA. As the results, it was confirmed that measurement error of the active length for the MOX fuel assembly was less than 0.1% and it was satisfied with requirement by IAEA. This paper provides the performance test results for the active length verification of the AFAS.

Journal Articles

Design and implementation of $$^{10}$$B+$$^{3}$$He integrated continuous monitor (BHCM) to holdup monitoring in glove boxes

Mukai, Yasunobu; LaFleur, A. M.*; Nakamura, Hironobu; Menlove, H. O.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Marlow, J. B.*; Kurita, Tsutomu

Proceedings of INMM 55th Annual Meeting (Internet), 8 Pages, 2014/07

In order to improve the safeguards and nuclear material accountancy of holdup measurements and establish an alternative technology for $$^{3}$$He shortage, we have designed the $$^{10}$$B + $$^{3}$$He Integrated Continuous Monitor (BHCM) and implemented the measurements to continuously monitor the holup in gloveboxes at Plutonium Conversion Developoment Facility. In this paper, we present the outline of BHCM, the comparison between MCNP simulations and the measured results in preliminaly test and a demonstration of process monitoring ability during operation to see the relation between Totals trend and operational status by using $$^{10}$$B detection tubes.

Journal Articles

Improvement of INVS measurement uncertainty for Pu and U-Pu nitrate solution

Makino, Risa; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Suzuki, Yoshimasa; Mukai, Yasunobu; Menlove, H. O.*; Marlow, J. B.*; Nakamura, Hironobu

Proceedings of INMM 55th Annual Meeting (Internet), 9 Pages, 2014/07

The Inventory Verification Sample systems (INVS) is a non-destructive assay (NDA) system for small inventory samples to quantify the Pu amount in Pu and U-Pu nitrate solutions and MOX powder with 31.3% counting efficiency (for Cf). It has been used for IAEA safeguards measurement for many years at the Plutonium Conversion Development Facility (PCDF) for the samples taken at the time of Random Interim Inspection (RII) and Physical Inventory Verification (PIV), and is currently used as partial defects verification equipment with uncertainty about 3$$sim$$5% accuracy for solution samples. The INVS is a inline detector therefore it is very convenient to use since it can be used for a sample inside the glove box without bag-out. If the measurement uncertainty can be improved (to $$sim$$1%), it is expected that the usage can be extended to the operator's own measurements in MC&A to reduce effort and the number of destructive analyses (DA). In order to improve the measurement uncertainty, we have performed multiplicity measurements using a variety of solution samples (concentration, acidity and volume) to determine the Pu amount and uncertainty, although the multiplicity analysis is challenging. To control the measurement quality, a few MOX ceramic fuel pellets with known Pu amount are used. The results are evaluated by three kinds of methods (calibration curve, known-$$alpha$$ and multiplicity) to determine the best measurement method. In the range of concentration of typical samples, we could confirm good correlations between measured doubles and $$^{240}$$Pu effective mass in the three methods. Especially, the conventional calibration curve method showed a good performance with short measurement time and small uncertainty when the calibration standards were a good match to the unknown samples. In this paper, we present the INVS system design and measurement results with uncertainty using solution samples and comparison results among the three calibration methods.

Journal Articles

Performance test results of the Advanced Verification for Inventory Sample System (AVIS), 2

Nakajima, Shinji; Nagatani, Taketeru; Asano, Takashi; Kawasue, Akane*; Iso, Shoko*; Kumakura, Shinichi*; Watanabe, Takehito*; Marlow, J. B.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Menlove, H. O.*; et al.

Kaku Busshitsu Kanri Gakkai (INMM) Nihon Shibu Dai-34-Kai Nenji Taikai Rombunshu (Internet), 9 Pages, 2013/10

The Advanced Verification for Inventory Sample System (AVIS) is a nondestructive assay (NDA) system in order to verify the plutonium mass in the small MOX samples at Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) MOX fuel fabrication plant (J-MOX) under construction. The AVIS is required the high measurement performance because the AVIS will be used as a verification tool to substitute destructive analysis for a part of the samples which needs the bias defect verification. Therefore, the AVIS will fulfill an important role in the safeguards approach for J-MOX. Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) conducted the performance test of the AVIS under the contract with NMCC. As the results of these tests, we confirmed that the AVIS could almost satisfy the required performance by IAEA.

Journal Articles

Proposal of direct alpha estimation technique by using ring ratio in the Continuous Neutron Monitor (CNM)

Mukai, Yasunobu; Nakamura, Hironobu; Fujisaku, Sakae; Kurita, Tsutomu; LaFleur, A. M.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Marlow, J. B.*

Kaku Busshitsu Kanri Gakkai (INMM) Nihon Shibu Dai-34-Kai Nenji Taikai Rombunshu (Internet), 9 Pages, 2013/10

In case of the Pu mass determination in scattered powder in a GB using Continuous Neutron Monitor (CNM) with totals, self-multiplication of neutron (M) and $$alpha$$ value are properly required to be set. M can be easily estimated by a simulation code, but it is very difficult to estimate $$alpha$$ value by such a simulation because interactions between $$alpha$$ ray generated from Pu and impurities are not consistent. Therefore, we tried to examine an estimation technique of $$alpha$$ value by direct measurement. As a result, by measuring the samples taken from the scattered powder using a multiplicity counter with a dual ring structure of He-3 tubes, we could confirm a good correlation between ring ratio (inner / outer ring count rates) and the $$alpha$$ values. Thus, we can estimate $$alpha$$ value in the powder directly by the ring ratio measurement. By applying this technique to CNM and designing a new detector with a double layer structure of neutron detection tubes, we had a prospect that CNM would be able to measure the Pu mass continuously.

Journal Articles

Performance test results of the advanced verification for inventory sample system (AVIS)

Nakajima, Shinji; Nagatani, Taketeru; Asano, Takashi; Marlow, J. B.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Rael, C. D.*; Kawasue, Akane*; Iso, Shoko*; Kumakura, Shinichi*; et al.

Proceedings of INMM 54th Annual Meeting (CD-ROM), 10 Pages, 2013/07

The advanced verification inventory system (AVIS) is a nondestructive assay (NDA) system developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to measure small samples of bulk plutonium and uranium mixed oxide (MOX) powder and pellets at the Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) mixed oxide fuel fabrication plant (J-MOX). In order to mitigate the workload on the Rokkasho On-Site Laboratory (OSL), it is intended that the AVIS measurement will be substituted for a part of the Destructive Assay (DA) for J-MOX. Based on the commission from Office for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Safeguards (JSGO) of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and Nuclear Material Control Center (NMCC), Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has conducted the performance test of the AVIS in order to confirm the system performance before installation at the J-MOX site. The performance test consists of two phases. In the phase 1 test, detector parameters such as detector efficiency and die-away time were evaluated by using a californium-252 neutron source. These results agreed well with design value and were reported at the 53rd INMM annual meeting. JAEA conducted the phase 2 test by using MOX materials in order to evaluate the total measurement uncertainty (TMU). In the test, influence of sample density, plutonium concentration and organic additives in samples were also evaluated. Consequently, it is expected that AVIS can achieve the target TMU of 0.5% required in user requirement of IAEA by optimizing measurement condition and by using well-characterized standards. This paper provides a summary of the results of comprehensive performance test of AVIS.

Journal Articles

Proposal of direct alpha estimation technique by using ring ratio in the continuous neutron monitor (CNM)

Nakamura, Hironobu; LaFleur, A. M.*; Mukai, Yasunobu; Hayashi, Hiroyuki*; Menlove, H. O.*; Marlow, J. B.*; Kurita, Tsutomu

Proceedings of INMM 54th Annual Meeting (CD-ROM), 8 Pages, 2013/07

To improve safeguards and material accountancy of holdup measurements, a continuous neutron monitor (CNM) that continuously monitors the singles rate from holdup in glove boxes was designed and implemented at PCDF. In totals neutron counting, it is impossible to get Pu mass directly from the singles count rate without predetermination of alpha value and multiplication (M). In case of holdup deposits, since M can be seen as 1, the determination of the alpha value by direct measurement of the holdup is very important. In this research, we have developed a new approach called Direct Alpha Estimation technique. To establish the relation, the ring ratio of the FCAS which has dual ring He-3 tubes was applied. By using different alpha of samples, relation between alpha and ring ratio was studied. As a result, a good correlation between them was obtained. Thus, since the ring ratio can estimate alpha value, we would propose that this technique with dual ringed CNM be extended to not only Pu mass determination, but also to monitor the impurity contents or Pu isotopic composition change in holdup.

Journal Articles

Interim report of performance test of the advanced verification for inventory sample system (AVIS)

Nagatani, Taketeru; Nakajima, Shinji; Asano, Takashi; Marlow, J. B.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Rael, C. D.*; Kawasue, Akane*; Iso, Shoko*; Kumakura, Shinichi*; et al.

Proceedings of INMM 53rd Annual Meeting (CD-ROM), 9 Pages, 2012/07

The advanced verification for inventory sample system (AVIS) is a nondestructive assay (NDA) system designed to measure small samples of bulk plutonium uranium mixed oxide (MOX) powder and pellets at the proposed Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) mixed oxide fuel fabrication plant (J-MOX). The system consists of a $$^{3}$$He-based passive neutron well counter with an integrated high-purity germanium $$gamma$$ system. The AVIS is intended to meet a performance specification of a total measurement uncertainty of less than 0.5% in the neutron ($$^{240}$$Pu effective) measurement. It is intended that the AVIS measurement will be substituted for a fraction of the DA samples from J-MOX. JAEA has conducted performance testing on the AVIS in order to confirm the system performance before installation and to minimize the period of calibration at J-MOX site. In this paper, we provide a summary of the result of performance test phase 1 and the test plan of performance test phase 2 of the AVIS.

Journal Articles

Design and implementation of a passive neutron counter to continously monitor holdup in glove boxes

LaFleur, A. M.*; Nakamura, Hironobu; Menlove, H.*; Marlow, J.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Mukai, Yasunobu; Kurita, Tsutomu

Proceedings of INMM 53rd Annual Meeting (CD-ROM), 8 Pages, 2012/07

To improve the safeguards and nuclear material accountancy of holdup measurements, a continuous neutron monitor (CNM) that continuously monitors the singles rate from holdup in gloveboxes was design and implemented at PCDF. The holdup currently in the gloveboxes at PCDF is from LWR recycle plutonium. In the near future, different Pu isotopic compositions from Fugen spent fuel will be transferred to PCDF. The different Pu isotopics of MOX-B fuel will result in much higher neutron emission rates compared to that from LWR spent fuel. Thus, the CNM is needed to establish baseline measurements of the existing holdup as a function of time prior to the introduction of the plutonium into the process equipment. It is considered that these baseline measurements can then be compared to post-process measurements to holdup after introduction of MOX-B fuel to determine the relative increase in holdup in the gloveboxes, and will help to avoid anticipated problems concerning safeguards or nuclear material accountancy.

Journal Articles

High-accuracy measurement of plutonium mass by non-destructive assay; An Improved approach for the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards

Nagatani, Taketeru; Nakajima, Shinji; Asano, Takashi; Fujiwara, Shigeo; Menlove, H. O.*; Swinhoe, M. T.*; Browne, M. C.*

Journal of Nuclear Materials Management, 39(3), p.4 - 10, 2011/04

JAEA Reports

Development of the Unattended Spent Fuel Flow Monitoring Safeguards System (UFFM) for the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) (Joint research)

Nakagawa, Shigeaki; Umeda, Masayuki; Beddingfield, D. H.*; Menlove, H. O.*; Yamashita, Kiyonobu

JAEA-Technology 2007-003, 24 Pages, 2007/02

JAEA-Technology-2007-003.pdf:3.61MB

As of the safeguards approach in the HTTR facility, an unattended spent fuel flow monitor (UFFM) was applied to carry out an item counting of spent fuel blocks. The UFFM is so designed and fabricated as to be the compact and unique monitor system to verify a movement of spent fuel blocks in "difficult to access" area and reduce inspection efforts. This system consists of two detector packages, electronics and computer. One package consists of two ionization chambers and a He-3 counter. The IAEA acceptance tests were performed and it was confirmed the followings: (1) All the detectors were functioning properly to measure a spent fuel block flow. (2) The time difference between detector signals was sufficient to determine the direction of the spent fuel blocks. (3) The UFFM was useful to carry out the item counting. The UFFM was approved as the IAEA safeguards equipment in the safeguards approach in the HTTR.

Journal Articles

Performance test of ENMC (Epithermal Neutron Multiplicity Counter), phase II

Ninagawa, Junichi; Asano, Takashi; Fujiwara, Shigeo; Takahashi, Saburo; Menlove, H.*; Rael, C. D.*; Nakajima, Shinji*; Sato, Takashi*

Kaku Busshitsu Kanri Gakkai (INMM) Nihon Shibu Dai-27-Kai Nenji Taikai Rombunshu (CD-ROM), 9 Pages, 2006/00

no abstracts in English

Oral presentation

Interim report on the performance test results for the Advanced Verification for Inventory sample System (AVIS)

Nagatani, Taketeru; Nakajima, Shinji; Asano, Takashi; Kawasue, Akane*; Iso, Shoko*; Kumakura, Shinichi*; Watanabe, Takehito*; Marlow, J.*; Martyn, S.*; Menlove, H.*; et al.

no journal, , 

The AVIS (Advanced Verification for Inventory sample System), which was designed by LANL in partnership with Nuclear Material Control Center (NMCC), is a nondestructive assay (NDA) system to measure the plutonium mass for plutonium uranium mixed oxide (MOX) powder and pellet for large scale MOX fuel fabrication plant (J-MOX). The AVIS is intended to meet a performance specification of a total measurement uncertainty of less than 0.5% in the neutron ($$^{240}$$Pu effective) measurement. It is intended that the AVIS measurement will be substituted for a fraction of the DA samples to reduce the number of DA from J-MOX. Therefore, the AVIS has a crucial role to attain effective safeguards for J-MOX. JAEA, which has experience/knowledge to develop the NDA system and plutonium handling field, was entrusted with performance testing for the AVIS from NMCC. JAEA has conducted performance testing on the AVIS using standard radiation source (neutron and $$gamma$$). As the results of test, it was confirmed that the AVIS has the designed performance. As a next step, JAEA will conduct the AVIS test using MOX materials in order to evaluate the relevant measurement accuracy. This paper reports the performance test results and future MOX test plans of the AVIS.

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