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NBL manages interlaboratory measurement evaluation
programs to provide independent validation of
facility nuclear material measurement quality/capabilities.
The program includes preparation, characterization,
packaging and distribution of samples to participating
laboratories. The receipt, recording, statistical
evaluation and reporting of the measurement
data from the participating laboratories are
the products of the Program. Historically, the
Laboratory has conducted interlaboratory measurement
comparison programs involving more than 50 laboratories
from more than 15 countries, providing independent
oversight of the effectiveness of measurement
systems used for safeguards materials accountability
and of the quality of measured values. Specific
evaluation programs have also involved the preparation
of materials and evaluation of analyses by commercial
analytical laboratories, in establishing control
programs for U-235 in fuel loadings.
The following materials are typically available
for the indicated analyses:
- Uranyl nitrate solutions for U concentration
- Uranyl nitrate solutions for 235U enrichment
- UO2 pellets for U concentration and enrichment
- UO3 powder for U concentration
- UF6 (normal or low-enriched) solid for U
concentration
- UF6 (low-enriched) solid for 235U enrichment
- Plutonium sulfate for isotopic abundances
and IDMS
Most laboratories perform analyses on a quarterly
or semi-annual frequency. There are no charges
to Department of Energy laboratories. Non-DOE
laboratories may participate on a cost-recovery
basis.
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