Gamma-ray spectrometry in the cascade area of a gas centrifuge enrichment plant

In the frame of the programme of the Federal Republic of Germany in support of the IAEA, measurements were performed in the SP4 gas centrifuge enrichment plant in Almelo, the Netherlands. The objective was the investigation of the applicability of non-destructive γ-spectrometry equipment - presently available to the IAEA - at uranium-hexafluoride cascade piping for the purpose of measuring the uranium enrichment. The measurement locations were chosen at the product pipework between the top of a cascade and the first valve, which is inside the cascade area. Taking account of the results of the Hexapartite Safeguards Project, the measurement method should be capable of giving a go/no go result on current and preceding production of high-enriched uranium. The paper gives a description of the acquired measurement method and evaluation. The measurement results are discussed and conclusions are drawn