A Multi-Layered Ceramic Composite for Impermeable Fuel Cladding for Commercial Water Reactors

65624 The disposal of remotely handled transuranic waste and other waste materials requires advanced technology to properly certify the wastes. An advanced neutron interrogation system for the non-destructive assay of these wastes can provide reliable information in a high-radiation environment. Therefore, this project will develop an advanced neutron generator that meets the demanding requirements for the analysis of transuranic waste, as well as wastes containing organic materials and materials of importance under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Phase I will (1) determine the technical feasibility of the new pulsed neutron generator design; (2) develop a design for an engineering prototype pulsed neutron generator system suitable for use as part of an advanced nuclear waste certification system; and (3) develop a preliminary design for a complete non-destructive assay system that can be used in a real-world environment. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The advanced neutron generator should form a foundation for reliable certification for remotely handled nuclear waste. Areas of applications include clean-up of Department of Energy facilities, waste handling organizations in other countries, industrial process control, and mine detection.