Behavior of the minor uranium isotopes in separation cascades. Part V. Review and appraisal

Part V is the final chapter of the completion report for this study. The results of the calculations made to determine the behavior of the minor uranium isotopes (U-234 and U-236) in separation cascades and the results of the two plant tests made to substantiate the validity of the calculations are reviewed briefly. Based on the fact that the U-234 and U-236 concentrations relative to that of U-235 in cascade withdrawal streams reflect the cascade flowsheet, it is concluded that the use of the minor isotope concentration measurements in cascade withdrawal streams, which is usually referred to by the acronym, MIST, is a potentially valuable adjunct to material accounting for safeguarding a U-235 enrichment cascade. A characteristic of MIST which qualifies it particularly for safeguards application under the NPT is the fact that its use is entirely non-intrusive with regard to process technology and proprietary information. The usefulness of MIST and how it may be applied are discussed briefly. To conclude this appraisal of MIST an enumeration is made of the capabilities that a safeguards inspection team would have to possess in order to apply MIST