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

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Radiological Safety Training for Uranium Facilities

Module 105 - Criticality Safety

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.

3. Facility-Specific Criticality Safety Controls

Provide facility-specific information.

Criticality Monitoring Techniques

Provide facility-specific information.