Actions for Irradiated-Microsphere Gamma Analyzer (IMGA) [electronic resource] : an integrated system for HTGR coated particle fuel performance assessment

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Irradiated-Microsphere Gamma Analyzer (IMGA) [electronic resource] : an integrated system for HTGR coated particle fuel performance assessment

Published
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1980.
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Physical Description
Pages: 48 : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators
Oak Ridge National Laboratory and United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information
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Summary
The Irradiated-Microsphere Gamma Analyzer (IMGA) System, designed and built at ORNL, provides the capability of making statistically accurate failure fraction measurements on irradiated HTGR coated particle fuel. The IMGA records the gamma-ray energy spectra from fuel particles and performs quantitative analyses on these spectra; then, using chemical and physical properties of the gamma emitters it makes a failed-nonfailed decision concerning the ability of the coatings to retain fission products. Actual retention characteristics for the coatings are determined by measuring activity ratios for certain gamma emitters such as /sup 137/Cs//sup 95/Zr and /sup 144/Ce//sup 95/Zr for metallic fission product retention and /sup 134/Cs//sup 137/Cs for an indirect measure of gaseous fission product retention. Data from IMGA (which can be put in the form of n failures observed in N examinations) can be accurately described by the binomial probability distribution model. Using this model, a mathematical relationship between IMGA data (n,N), failure fraction, and confidence level was developed. To determine failure fractions of less than or equal to 1% at confidence levels near 95%, this model dictates that from several hundred to several thousand particles must be examined. The automated particle handler of the IMGA system provides this capability. As a demonstration of failure fraction determination, fuel rod C-3-1 from the OF-2 irradiation capsule was analyzed and failure fraction statistics were applied. Results showed that at the 1% failure fraction level, with a 95% confidence level, the fissile particle batch could not meet requirements; however, the fertile particle exceeded these requirements for the given irradiation temperature and burnup.
Report Numbers
E 1.99:ornl-5606
ornl-5606
Subject(s)
Other Subject(s)
Note
Published through SciTech Connect.
02/01/1980.
"ornl-5606"
Kania, M.J.; Valentine, K.H.
Funding Information
W-7405-ENG-26
View MARC record | catkey: 14403201