Materials loss-detection sensitivities using process-grade measurement at AGNS BNFP

Process quality measurement data from cold runs at AGNS BNFP are used to demonstrate near-real-time accounting and to evaluate contactor inventory estimation techniques. Process-grade measurements are used to close hourly materials balances. Loss-detection sensitivities for 1 day of between 4 and 18 kg uranium, at 50% detection probability and 2.5% false-alarm probability, are calculated for selected accounting areas. Pulsed-column inventory estimators are used to calculate an inventory that is 1 to 35% lower than column dump measurements. Loss-detection sensitivity could be improved by incorporating on-line waste stream measurements, improving laboratory measurements for process streams, and refining the pulsed-column inventory estimates.