Irradiated components represent a special problem in Radwaste disposal.  Expendable items such as BWR fuel channels, control rod blades, in-core instrument tubes, as well as items damaged during the course of operation can present a problem when it comes to radiological characterization.  High activities and variability in material compositions often make sampling impractical.  In this service, characterization is conducted on the basis of dose rate measurements, dose to activity conversion, and activation analysis.  We have made an extensive effort to construct and verify methodologies for performing these analyses.  Scoping calculations are performed using SNAP and Winshield to define a nuclide distribution best fitted to the observed dose rate information, irradiation history, and material elemental analysis.   Results obtained from SNAP have been benchmarked with ORIGEN 2.1.  Winshield has been benchmarked against Microshield.

DW James Consulting can provide activated component analysis. Experience ranges from miscellaneous small components to reactor vessels and internals. Computer programs and methods conform to industry practice. Activity estimates are made individually for each customer with its specific parameters and exposure histories – not recycled from prior work.  Results and methods are fully disclosed.  Work is performed under our independent NQA-1 quality assurance program.

Packaging Plans- We will work with you to define shipping options for your material.  Individual packaged plans will be prepared to optimize the capacity of the cask and container combination that is available to you.  Concentration averaging in accordance with NRC guidelines will be verified using routines available on ISIP (Integrated Shipping and Inventory Program.

Manifest Preparation- Along with the characterization service, DW James Consulting, LLC will prepare the manifests for transporting the material.  The Manifests will be produced using the Integrated Shipping and Inventory Program (ISIP).  Manifests from ISIP have been accepted at Richland, Envirocare, as well as Barnwell, and are in current use.

Control Rod Drive Support- If you routinely send your control rod drives out for refurbishment, try us for manifest preparation.  Send your survey sheets and we’ll return the manifests electronically.