Simulation of glovebox nondestructive assay to aid in error estimation and measurement procedure design

Gamma ray nondestructive assay (NDA) measurement procedures for large objects such as gloveboxes require that multiple measurements be made to cover the entire object. Net counts observed at each measurement location are converted to special nuclear material (SNM) equivalents using a data reduction equation. To facilitate rapid and reliable reduction of data, this equation is often a simple representation of the measurement situation. Using a single measurement procedure applied uniformly to many situations and a simple data reduction equation produce results that only approximate the quantity of SNM contained in the glovebox. This paper discusses a glovebox measurement simulation model and computer program that is being developed by Rockwell Hanford Operations. The model is being used to investigate some of the errors associated with current measurement and data reduction procedures. 6 figs.