Advanced Post-Irradiation Examination Capability T

Abstract

This report describes the current status of the Advanced Post-Irradiation Examination Capability (APIEC) Project and the initial complement of post-irradiation examination (PIE) instruments proposed to advance the state-ofthe-art for nuclear characterization. To facilitate this advancement, the project performed a technical readiness assessment for the instruments that are most likely to be used for the APIEC Project. This assessment assigned technology readiness levels (TRLs) for the current-state instrument and system readiness.Technology maturation plans (TMPs) were developed for each of the PIE instruments in the initial complement to detail the next steps required to test the instruments and reduce the risk of installing immature technologies. An additional TMP was developed for the sample preparation equipment needed to prepare nuclear fuels and material specimens for advanced PIE. Technology development roadmaps were then generated to summarize the path forward to successful operation in a facility. The technology development roadmaps, current TRLs, and a brief description of each capability and instrument are contained herein. The nine TMPs are included as attachments to this report.This assessment included 20 candidate instruments. These instruments ranged in technology readiness from instruments that have been successfully tested as integrated components to instruments that have been demonstrated as a system in their final configuration. Many of these instruments are commercially available and have been demonstrated in industrial applications. However, some have not been demonstrated for personnel and equipment protection in the high-radiation environment anticipated for the APIEC Project. Hence, these instruments need to be demonstrated in dry inert atmosphere, radiation service (e.g., shielding or relocation of the detectors and printed circuit boards), remote sample handling, and, in some cases, remote control and maintenance of the instrument.This report describes, qualitatively, the challenges facing each instrument and the path forward to overcome those challenges. As the initial complement of instruments anticipated for near-term APIEC Project application is finalized, more details will be added to the test plans to further quantify the path forward. Updates and additional details also will be added as the instruments advance through successive TRLs. INTRODUCTIONThis document describes the current status of the instruments that will be used to advance the state-of-the-art for nuclear characterization in the Advanced Post-Irradiation Examination Capability (APIEC) Project. To facilitate this advancement, the APIEC Project performed a technical readiness assessment (TRA) for the candidate instruments likely to be used in an advanced post-irradiation examination (PIE) facility. This assessment resulted in assignment of technology readiness levels (TRLs) for the current state of each instrument. Technology development roadmaps (TDRMs) and technology maturation plans (TMPs) were developed for the i...