Nondestructive assay

  1. 3.1
    Gamma Assay Techniques and Instruments
    The course considers theoretical background of gamma-spectrometric measurements, measurement techniques and practical skills in appropriate equipment operation and measurement of a wide spectrum of NM samples.
    Theoretical lessons
    Theory and methods of nuclear material gamma-spectrometry analysis.
    Design and operation principles of gamma-spectrometric equipment.
    Uranium enrichment and uranium and plutonium isotopic composition measurement procedures.
    Software.
    Practical exercises
    Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory.
    They include practical exercises in uranium enrichment measurements, plutonium and uranium isotopic composition measurements with advanced gamma-spectrometric methods and high and low resolution detectors.
    Measurements are performed with the following devices: mMCA-430, Coupol, Kolibri, IMCA InSpector, InSpector-2000, InSpector-1000.
    Exercises in NM identification, uranium enrichment measurements and uranium and plutonium isotopic composition measurements are conducted with uranium and plutonium samples of different isotopic and chemical composition and geometry to gain practical skills.
    “Do-it-yourself” and test measurements are performed with the aim to determine isotopic compositions of “unknown” nuclear material samples and evaluate the knowledge gained.
    Potential audience
    Specialists engaged in NDA measurements of nuclear materials.
    Preliminary training
    Knowledge in the field of gamma radiation measurement.

    The course considers theoretical background of gamma-spectrometric measurements, measurement techniques and practical skills in appropriate equipment operation and measurement of a wide spectrum of NM samples.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theory and methods of nuclear material gamma-spectrometry analysis.
    • Design and operation principles of gamma-spectrometric equipment.
    • Uranium enrichment and uranium and plutonium isotopic composition measurement procedures.
    • Software.

    Practical exercises

    • Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory.
    • They include practical exercises in uranium enrichment measurements, plutonium and uranium isotopic composition measurements with advanced gamma-spectrometric methods and high and low resolution detectors.
    • Measurements are performed with the following devices: mMCA-430, Coupol, Kolibri, IMCA InSpector, InSpector-2000, InSpector-1000.
    • Exercises in NM identification, uranium enrichment measurements and uranium and plutonium isotopic composition measurements are conducted with uranium and plutonium samples of different isotopic and chemical composition and geometry to gain practical skills.
    • “Do-it-yourself” and test measurements are performed with the aim to determine isotopic compositions of “unknown” nuclear material samples and evaluate the knowledge gained.

    Potential audience

    Specialists engaged in NDA measurements of nuclear materials.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge in the field of gamma radiation measurement.
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  2. 3.1.1
    Uranium hold-up measurement in process equipment

    Theoretical and practical aspects of NM measurement in hold-up. The course is aimed at gaining practical skills in running hand-held gamma-spectrometers, in carrying out measurements to estimate U-235 mass in process equipment hold-up with the use of «generalized» geometry method.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theory and methods of NM gamma-spectrometry analysis.
    • Design and specifications of the instruments to detect uranium location, to identify it and to measure uranium mass in hold-up.
    • «Generalized» geometry method to measure hold-up uranium in the process equipment.
    • Methods to calculate and introduce corrections.

    Practical exercises

    • Lessons are conducted at the NDA laboratory.
    • Preparation of Russian handheld instruments (Coupol, Kolibri) for measurements.
    • Calibration of the measurement equipment.
    • Measurement of U-235 mass in hold-up in process equipment models.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NDA measurements.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge in the field of gamma-radiation measurements.
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  3. 3.1.2
    Measurement of Uranium and Plutonium isotopic composition

    The course considers the specific features in U and Pu isotopic composition measurements and analysis by means of the MGA, MGA-U and FRAM codes.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theory and methods of NM gamma spectrometry analysis.
    • Design and operation functions of gamma-spectrometric equipment to measure isotopic composition.
    • Specific features of MGA, MGA-U and FRAM codes.

    Practical exercises

    • Lessons are conducted in the NDA Laboratory.
    • Measurement and analysis of U and Pu gamma-spectra with the use of detectors of high resolution and MGA, MGA-U and FRAM software.
    • Exercises to measure and analyze isotopics of U and Pu samples with various isotopic and chemical composition, geometric shape and in various containers.
    • «Do-it-yourself» and test measurements are performed with the aim to determine the isotopic composition of «unknown» nuclear material samples.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NDA.

    Preliminary training

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  4. 3.1.3
    NDA measurement of plutonium mass in hold-up

    Theoretical and practical aspects of Pu mass measurement in hold-up. Gaining practical skills in the use of measurement techniques, hand-held gamma-spectrometers applicable for these measurements. Practical measurement of Pu mass in hold-up in process equipment models.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theory and methods of NM gamma-spectrometry analysis.
    • Design and specifications of the instruments to detect plutonium location, to identify it and to measure plutonium mass in hold-up.
    • «Generalized» geometry method and upgraded approach with spectrometer calibration to measure plutonium in hold-up in the process equipment.

    Practical exercises

    • Lessons are conducted at the NDA laboratory.
    • Preparation of the Russian handheld instrument Kolibri and spectrometers of high resolution for measurements.
    • Calibration of the measurement equipment.
    • Measurement of Pu-239 mass in hold-up in process equipment models.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NDA measurements.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge in the field of gamma-radiation measurements.
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  5. 3.2
    Gamma assay techniques and instruments (for inspectors)

    The course is aimed at gaining practical experience and skills in the work with hand-held gamma-spectrometers suitable for verification measurements during inspections. Rostekhnadzor inspectors will gain the experience in NM identification and determination of NM quantitative characteristics by state of the art gamma-spectrometric methods.

    Theoretical lessons

    • NM gamma-spectrometry fundamentals, theory and methods.
    • Design and operation principles of portable devices for NM identification, uranium enrichment measurements, uranium and plutonium isotopic composition measurements by means of mMCA-430, InSpector, InSpector-2000, Kolibri.
    • Appropriate computer software applications.

    Practical exercises

     Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory. The classes include:

    • Exercises in NM identification, uranium enrichment measurements and uranium and plutonium isotopic composition measurements conducted with uranium and plutonium samples of various isotopic and chemical composition, geometry and in various containers.
    • «Do-it-yourself» and test measurements of isotopic composition of «unknown» nuclear material samples.

    Potential audience

    Inspectors experienced in safeguards programs, involved in NM analysis in MC&A systems.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge in the field of gamma-radiation measurements.
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  6. 3.3
    Neutron assay techniques and instruments
    Theoretical and practical aspects of NM measurement by neutron techniques. Specifics of neutron coincidence analysis. Pu and U-235 mass measurement procedures with passive and active neutron coincidence methods and practical skills in operation of passive and active neutron coincidence counters.
    Theoretical lessons
    NM passive and active neutron assay theory.
    Design and operation principles of shift register, high level neutron coincidence counter (HLNCC) for passive analysis of Pu samples, active well neutron coincidence counter (AWCC) for active analysis of uranium samples.
    Safety principles in the course of measurements.
    Practical exercises
    Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory.
    The use of the INCC software is trained in the computer classroom The classes include:
    ? -Calibration of passive and active neutron coincidence counters with reference materials (RMs) of uranium and plutonium.
    ? -NDA measurements of uranium and plutonium mass in these RMs,measurement quality control, test measurements of uranium and plutonium mass in samples.
    Potential audience
    Specialists engaged in NDA measurements.
    Preliminary training
    Knowledge in the field of neutron radiation measurements.

    Theoretical and practical aspects of NM measurement by neutron techniques. Specifics of neutron coincidence analysis. Pu and U-235 mass measurement procedures with passive and active neutron coincidence methods and practical skills in operation of passive and active neutron coincidence counters.

    Theoretical lessons

    • NM passive and active neutron assay theory.
    • Design and operation principles of shift register, high level neutron coincidence counter (HLNCC) for passive analysis of Pu samples, active well neutron coincidence counter (AWCC) for active analysis of uranium samples.
    • Safety principles in the course of measurements.

    Practical exercises

    Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory. The use of the INCC software is trained in the computer classroom The classes include:

    • Calibration of passive and active neutron coincidence counters with reference materials (RMs) of uranium and plutonium.
    • NDA measurements of uranium and plutonium mass in these RMs,measurement quality control, test measurements of uranium and plutonium mass in samples.

     

    Potential audience

    Specialists engaged in NDA measurements.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge in the field of neutron radiation measurements.
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  7. 3.3.1
    Course closed
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  8. 3.3.2
    Neutron NDA to control Pu in waste

    Theoretical and practical aspects of Pu mass measurement in waste. The neutron coincidence method to measure Pu mass in containers with solid waste. Measurement system calibration and measurement of Pu mass in containers with Pu waste of various composition.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Pu passive neutron assay theory.
    • Fundamentals of fission count rate methods based on fission neutron multiplicity distribution.
    • Design and operation principles of a neutron coincidence analyzer, detection units made by Eurisys Measures and Canberra to measure Pu mass in solid radioactive waste.

    Practical exercises

    Practical training is conducted at the NDA laboratory. The classes include:

    • Practical use of applied software (INCC codes).
    • Laboratory exercises with the aim to determine operating parameters of the instrument designed for measuring containers with Pu waste.
    • Measurements with Pu reference materials of waste drum models that simulate Pu waste with various matrices.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NM NDA.

    Preliminary training

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  9. 3.4
    Neutron assay techniques and instruments (for inspectors)

    Theoretical and practical aspects of NM mass measurement by neutron techniques. Calibration of passive and active neutron coincidence counters. Practical skills in the use of measurement techniques to measure NM mass with passive and active neutron coincidence method in the course of inspections.

    Theoretical lessons

    • NM passive and active neutron analysis theory.
    • Design and operation principles of a shift register, high level neutron coincidence counters (HLNCC II) for passive analysis of plutonium samples, active well coincidence counter (AWCC) for active analysis of uranium samples.
    • Safety principles in the course of measurements.

    Practical exercises

    Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory. The classes include:

    • Practical use of applied software (INCC codes).
    • Calibration of passive and active neutron coincidence counters with working RMs of uranium and plutonium.
    • NDA measurements of uranium and plutonium mass in samples, measurement quality control. Test measurements of uranium and plutonium mass in samples.

    Potential audience

    Inspectors experienced in safeguards programs and involved in NM analysis in MC&A systems.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge in the field of neutron radiation measurements.
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  10. 3.5
    NDA reference materials

    The course considers basic principles, criteria and requirements to the design, fabrication and certification of NDA reference materials, their practical use in equipment calibration and measurement control.

    Theoretical lessons

    • The role of RMs for NDA in MC&A program.
    • Requirements to NDA RMs, their design, fabrication and certification.

    Practical exercises

    • Based on the knowledge and information gained, to develop for a model facility a draft statement of work on fabrication and certification of RMs for NDA, including their number, types, technical requirements and work plan.

    Potential audience

    Experienced scientists and engineers engaged in nuclear materials NDA, specialists of analytical labs and metrology services.

    Preliminary training

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  11. 3.6
    DIP tube technique to control NM solution mass/volume in process equipment

    The course considers the methods and principles of near-real-time control of NM mass in solutions in the process equipment. Measurement technique, applied software, practical skill in tank calibration.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Solution mass/volume measurement by the dip tube technique, measurement system components.
    • Tank calibration technique, measurement system testing, introduced corrections.
    • Software.

    Practical exercises

    Lessons are conducted at the Tank Calibration Laboratory. The classes include:

    • Calibration of process equipment models with the use of laboratory measurement system and applied software: cylindrical tank, conic-annular tank, tubular tank.
    • Calibration verification, water mass/volume measurements in process equipment models with the use of near-real-time mode.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in control of NM in solutions in process equipment.

    Preliminary training

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  12. 3.7
    NDA measurements of Pu mass and isotopic composition

    The course considers NDA techniques to measure Pu mass based on the results of Pu isotopic composition measurements by means of highresolution gamma-spectrometry. Practical skills in measurements with a passive neutron coincidence counter and a gamma-spectrometer with a germanium detector.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theoretical aspects of gamma and neutron radiation measurements.
    • Instruments for measurement and analysis of gamma spectra, gamma ray identification, software.
    • Instruments for neutron coincidence measurements, software.

    Practical exercises

    The lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory. During the lessons the trainees measure:

    • gamma spectra of Pu samples of various isotopic composition with the U-Pu InSpector system with the HPGe detector
    • Pu mass in samples based on the results of gamma-spectrometric analysis,
    • Based on the measurement results the causes that impact the accuracy of Pu mass measurement in the sample are analyzed.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NDA analysis with the knowledge of courses 3.1, 3.3.

    Preliminary training

    • Knowledge of gamma and neutron measurements.
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  13. 3.8
    Measurement of U-235 Mass in Waste Drums (with ISOCS system and gamma scanner)

    Theoretical studies of gamma-spectrometric methods to analyze NMs. Design and principles of operation of the gamma-spectrometric channel meant to measure of U isotopic composition. Genie — 2000 software. Theoretical aspects of passive and active neutron analysis of nuclear materials. Design and operation principles of neutron coincidence analyzers and multiplicity counters. INCC software. Measurements for active and passive U analysis in waste.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theory and methods of NM gamma-spectrometry analysis. Design and operation principles of gamma-spectrometric systems to measure U isotopic composition.
    • Theoretical aspects of passive and active neutron analysis of nuclear materials. Design and operation principles of the neutron coincidence analyzer based on the shift register, multiplicity counter for active and passive analysis of U in waste.

    Practical exercises

    • Lessons are conducted at the NDA laboratory.
    • The procedures of measurements and analysis of gamma-spectra with the use of the MGAU code to determine U isotopic composition in the waste drum models.
    • Then the trainees determine the neutron analysis parameters, perform passive and active measurements of U mass in waste drum models.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NM NDA.

    Preliminary training

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  14. 3.9
    Hybrid K-Edge densitometr

    Hybrid K-edge densitometer design and operation principles to measure U and Pu concentration in solution samples. Application software. X-ray fluorescence analysis and K-edge gamma-spectrometric methods to measure NM concentration in solutions. Practical skills in conducting measurements with the hybrid K-edge densitometer.

    Theoretical lessons

    • Theory and methods of NM gamma-spectrometric analysis.
    • «X-ray fluorescence analysis» and «K-edge» gamma-spectrometric methods to measure NM concentration in solution samples.
    • K-edge densitometer design and operation principles to measure U and Pu concentration in solution samples.
    • Application software.

    Practical exercises

    Lessons are conducted at the NDA Laboratory. The trainees gain skills in the use of devices and software to measure NM concentration in solution samples. They learn:

    • Hybrid K-edge densitometer design. Specific features of turning it on and adjusting.
    • Procedures for calibration measurements with NM solution samples; determination of applicability area for «X-ray fluorescence analysis» and «K-edge» methods.
    • Verification measurements, estimation of factors that impact the analysis accuracy.

    Potential audience

    Specialists involved in NM NDA.

    Preliminary training

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