MAGNETIC DETERMINATION OF IMPURITIES IN URANIUM FUEL SLUGS

A technique has been devised for the non-destructive determination of the uranium hydride and/or iron content in uranium fuel slugs of Hanford size. The technique, an adaptation of the Gouy method for measuring magnetic susceptibilities, is based on the ferromagnetic properties of the hydride below 173 deg K. A large electromagnet and a pain balance are utilized in measuring the magnetic forces on a vertically suspended slug at liquid nitrogen temperatures and at room temperature. It was found possible to test as many as 250 slugs per eight-hour day in this manner. (auth)