International Atomic Energy Agency UF6 cascade header pipe test loop: safety assessment

Radiological, health physics, safety, and criticality considerations for the second generation UF6 cascade header pipe test loop are discussed, and design criteria, materials of construction, instrumentation, and electical requirements are noted. Patterned after the Oak Ridge demonstration test loop that was used for uranium deposition experiments and measurement technology demonstrations, the second generation test loop is being designed and fabricated at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant for use by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at their Safeguards Analytical Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, under sponsorship of the US Program of Technical Assistance to IAEA Safeguards, Task A-136, ''UF6 Cascade Header Pipe Test Loop.'' By simulating operating flows, pressures, and pipe deposits characteristic of gas centrifuge enrichment plant piping, the test loop will enable the IAEA (1) to evaluate and to calibrate instrumentation designed to verify the enrichment of UF6 gas under various flowing and static operating conditions in plant piping and (2) to train inspectors in the use of such instrumentation. Studies show that, if all prescribed UF6 handling and test loop operational procedures and precautions are adhered to, no health physics problems or incremental safety hazards are posed with normal test loop operation