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Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
An Overview of the ORNL Nuclear Forensics Program
June 18, 2009
Brad Patton
2 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Common Nuclear Forensics Terms IND – Improvised nuclear device RDD – Radiological dispersion device Radiological material – materials that could be used in a RDD (e.g., 60Co, 137Cs, 192Ir, etc.) Nuclear material – materials that can be used in an IND (e.g., 235U, 239Pu) Pre-detonation (Pre-det) – material/device before detonation Post-detonation (Post-det) – material/device after detonation
3 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Isotopes of Greatest Concern
137Cs
192Ir
252Cf
90Sr 60Co 241Am 210Po
244Cm
239Pu 238Pu
235U
4 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Elements of Forensics Evidence
Traditional evidence (fingerprints, fibers, DNA, etc.) Contaminated traditional evidence Nuclear material evidence (nuclear forensics)
Nuclear forensic only one portionof the total evidence and does
not need to stand alone
Nuclear forensic only one portionof the total evidence and does
not need to stand alone
5 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Nuclear Forensic Process
Field Measurement and Sample Selection
Sample Receipt and Subsampling
Laboratory Analysis
Data Interpretation
Existing Data and
Tools
Enhanced Data and
Tools
6 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Field Measurements and Sample Collection
Quantity material dispersed (RDD) Major radioisotope dispersed Sample collection and shipment to field
laboratories
7 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
ORNL Nuclear/Radiological Forensics Science Programs
Intercepted Material or Post-Detonation Debris
Laboratory Analysis(Laboratories/Techniques)
Receipt and Subsampling (Hot Cells)
Data Interpretation(Knowledge Basis/Expertise)
NRC Data
1
10
100
1,000
10,000
100,000
1,000,000
10,000,000
100,000,000
1,000,000,000
Am-241 Am-241/Be Co-60 Cs-137 Ir-192 Sr-90Isotope
To
tal C
urr
ent A
ctiv
ity o
f So
urc
es (C
i)
Subject Matter Expertise
Knowledge Base
HEU Production
Data
Expertise
Advanced Analytical Techniques
New Signatures
Isotope Source Production and
Distribution
ProductionModeling
Data
Expertise
8 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Sample Receipt and Subsampling Package imaging Bulk analysis (mass, specific activity, etc.) Verify major radioisotope and minor (gamma spectroscopy) Subsampling for laboratory analysis Transfer to laboratories for detailed analysis
9 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Analytical Chemistry Lab - to receive and prepare beta-gamma emitting radioisotopes (60Co, 137Cs, 192Ir, 90Sr, etc.) and to conduct a full spectrum of analyses
REDC – to receive and prepare actinide (alpha and neutron emitters) radioisotopes (241Am, 252Cf, 244Cm, 210Po, 238Pu, 239Pu, 235U, etc.)
Fuels Examination Lab – metallurgicalanalysis of spent fuel and large sources
ORNL Hot Cells and Glovebox Facilities for Handling Radioactive Materials of all Types
10 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Laboratory Analysis(Laboratories/Techniques)
Alpha and gamma spectroscopy Liquid scintillation for beta material High precision mass spectrometry for measurement of RDD material
isotopics and trace impurities High precision mass spectrometry for measurement of U and Pu isotopics
and trace impurities Neutron activation analyses for non-destruction measurement
11 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Radiochemical Analysis Capabilities and Protocols
Thermo Finnigan Element 2 High resolution ICP-MS
Thermo Elemental IRIS –ICP-Atomic Emission Spectrometry
(glovebox containment)
12 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Data Interpretation and Knowledge Base
NRC Data
1
10
100
1,000
10,000
100,000
1,000,000
10,000,000
100,000,000
1,000,000,000
Am-241 Am-241/Be Co-60 Cs-137 Ir-192 Sr-90Isotope
To
tal C
urr
ent
Act
ivit
y o
f So
urc
es (
Ci)
Subject Matter Expertise
Knowledge Base
Material Production
Data
Expertise
Isotope Source Production and
Distribution
Data
Expertise
Production and processing expertise to interpret data Material characteristics and links to processes Knowledge of RDD materials characteristics and links to
processing history
Age Dating to determine time since purification Reactor models to predict signatures and irradiation history to
determine time since production Impurities may be traceable to processing methods
13 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
ORNL RDD Material Production Data DHS MS Access database
developed Information on sources
produced at ORNL in searchable database– Source dimensions, welding
details and serial numbers– Origin of radioactive material– Dates sources fabricated and initial
distribution– Chemical form, processing history
and major chemical characteristics Experience with data sources
now allows for rapid manual searches
14 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Enhanced Data and Tools
Advanced Analytical Techniques
Enhanced Data and Tools
ProductionModeling
Continued mining of existing data and incorporation of new measurement knowledge base
Development of advanced mass spectrometry methods and techniques Development of inverse reactor models to predict signatures and
irradiation history
15 Managed by UT-Battellefor the Department of Energy
Oak Ridge National Laboratory:Meeting the challenges of the 21st centuryOak Ridge National Laboratory:Meeting the challenges of the 21st century
For additional information, contact:Brad [email protected]
Questions?Questions?