Multi-Group Analysis for Uranium
Eliminating the need for complex calibrations, MGAU software delivers fast, accurate uranium isotopic analysis — enabling reliable results across a wide range of sample types and shielding conditions. Designed for minimal operator training and seamless integration with Mirion systems, it supports both automated and expert-driven workflows. With proven performance and adaptability, MGAU software is a trusted solution for nuclear safeguards and compliance; waste management; and enrichment facility operations.
The accurate, non-destructive assay of uranium-bearing materials to determine uranium content is vital in nuclear safeguards, waste management and fuel cycle process control measurements. With growing concern over the diversion of nuclear materials, the nuclear community requires more advanced and reliable uranium detection tools.
Uranium measurements are typically difficult due to varying container shapes, container wall thicknesses, uranium chemical forms and other complications. Multi-Group Analysis for Uranium (MGAU software) improves the accuracy of these measurements over traditional methods, while simplifying or eliminating the setup and calibration steps necessary with other methodologies. MGAU software can be used with minimal setup, requiring minimal training for operators, and it is easily applied to applications involving routine, repetitive measurements.
In its normal mode, MGAU software uses information from the low energy region that includes gamma and X-rays from 84 to 205 keV. The primary enrichment information is derived from the 235U and 238U emissions in the 90-94 keV energy range. Several peaks detected in the measured spectrum are used to develop a relative efficiency curve; i.e. the detector efficiency as a function of energy is determined, factoring in the amount of attenuation caused by the sample container and the amount of self-absorption in the uranium material. This process eliminates the need for an efficiency calibration prior to making sample measurements.
In the enrichment-meter mode, MGAU software utilizes the 186keV gamma line from 235U decay and requires just one calibration measurement with a reference standard of known enrichment and known container wall thickness. The results of this calibration measurement are automatically stored for further use on any samples with known container wall thicknesses. The enrichment meter mode is useful for very thick container walls where poor counting statistics in the spectrum may limit the results from the normal mode, it also can be used for analyzing uranium samples where the uranium isotopes are not in equilibrium with their daughter products (freshly separated uranium).
Key Benefits
Applications
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