Characterization of mixed wastes is needed for the clean-up of DOE facilities. System requirements range from characterization of mixed low-level waste (MLLW) and mixed transuranic (MTRU) waste to real time analysis of mixed waste either in containers or on conveyors. This project will develop a compact, portable, and easily adaptable system for examining packaged mixed wastes in various packaging and diverse storage conditions. Phase I will: (1) show the feasibility of identification and quantification of radionuclides in packaged mixed waste using new room-temperature gamma ray spectrometers, and (2) integrate this sensor technology with appropriate chemical sensors on a portable platform to complete the mixed-waste characterization.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A system of integrated sensors capable of characterizing constituents of MLLW will be demonstrated. A room temperature gamma ray spectrometer will be produced, having a sensitive volume of 3 cm3 and energy resolution of 7 keV for gamma below 122 keV and 10 keV at 511 keV. An optimal system could employ integrated samplers and chemical/physical sensors which are reconfigurable and interchangeable in "plug and play" fashion, for ease of use by operators requiring minimal training as well as providing quality data management functions to facilitate regulatory acceptance.
