Controlling Uranium Inventories - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Module 105 Criticality Safety

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

2. Controlling Uranium Inventories

One method to prevent a criticality is controlling

uranium inventories. Inventory control involves

knowing where the uranium is at the facility and the

level of enrichment of the uranium. Uranium enriched

in 235U or the presence of 233U is of concern for

criticality; therefore, these are materials of concern for

inventory control. Criticality is a concern for 238U if

fast neutrons are present.

Loss of control of fissile material presents a threat to

criticality safety at the facility and, in a worst case

scenario, to national security. It is no secret that

groups throughout the world are striving to become

nuclear powers. Even the appearance of a loss of

inventory control must be avoided to keep the public

trust and assure continued operations of DOE

programs. For these reasons, inventories of fissile

material are closely monitored.