Published: 1977
Total Pages: 65
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The purpose of this report is to evaluate the relative merit of using calorimetry for shipper-receiver (S-R) exchanges of Pu. In particular, this evaluation concentrates on the accountability and the diversion detection aspects of calorimetry. Three different modes of use were considered: (1) calorimetry alone, that is S-R exchanges based on power (wattage) measurements; (2) calorimetry plus chemical assay, similar to the present weight plus chemical assay system, and (3) calorimetry plus gamma-ray spectrometry, a totally nondestructive Pu assay method. The relative merit of ball three applications was judged using the present methods as a base case. Some of the factors considered were random and systematic errors, timeliness, costs (both operating and capital) and reliability.
