Neutron Spectrometry for Identification of Filler Material in UXO
Abstract
Unexploded ordnance (UXO)-contaminated sites often include ordnance filled with inert substances that were used in dummy rounds. During UXO surveys, it is difficult to determine whether ordnance is filled with explosives or inert material (e.g., concrete, Plaster of Paris, wax, etc.) or whether it is empty. Without verification of the filler material, handling procedures often necessitate that the object be destroyed in place, which has potential impacts to the environment, personnel, communities and survey costs. The Department of Defense (DoD) needs a reliable, timely, non-intrusive and cost-effective way to identify filler material before a removal action. A new technology that serves this purpose would minimize environmental impacts, personnel safety risks and removal costs; and, thus, would be especially beneficial to remediation activities. Through this project, PNNL attempted demonstrate that a portable neutron spectrometer utilizing scintillating fiber detectors is capable of distinguishing between inert and explosive filler material in UXO. Data generated from the project is presented in this paper showing differentiation between inert fillers in controlled laboratory conditions using this technology. PNNL proposes a neutron spectrometry approach to the identification of filler material. The spectrometer utilizes a novel neutron detector developed at PNNL. The detector greatly improves on the portability and speed of current designs, offering much smaller portable packages with quicker analysis times. Neutron spectrometry can indicate the relative hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen ratios in dense containers remotely and non-destructively. The technology is similar to devices used commercially to determine soil moisture, characterize oil wells and measure asphalt quality. A neutron source interacts with the target object, some neutrons are backscattered into the detector, and their energies inferred.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA603925
Entities
People
- Mary Bliss
Organizations
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory