JAI Corporation Projects

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering

• Developed designs of processes and facilities for production of high purity thorium metal and compounds, mixed oxide fuel, and spent fuel reprocessing. Evaluated processes for the milling of uranium ores to concentrates.
• Developed a comprehensive plan for evaluating the prospective use of the former AGNS reprocessing plant at Barnwell, SC for production of MOX fuel for use in CANDU reactors. This included surveying the status of the plant, identification of equipment that could be used, sequencing removal of other equipment, analysis of facility design for operability/ maintainability/reliability, and development of associated cost estimates.
• Analyzed U.S. programs conducted in the 1960s and 1970s on the recovery and recycle of plutonium in thermal reactors including reprocessing, MOX fuel fabrication, use of MOX fuel in reactors. This included the identification of the purpose of the programs, a description of the work to be performed, and the results of the work performed.
• Prepared a comprehensive summary of the operating history of the NFS West Valley reprocessing plant; reviewed and evaluated pertinent records; interviewed key personnel who were knowledgeable in the start-up and operation of the plant. The report focused on plant and equipment performance, environmental effects of plant operations, radiation exposures to members of the public and plant employees, and recommendations for design of future reprocessing facilities.
• Performed an estimate of the costs associated with the LWR fuel cycles. Developed conceptual designs of LMFBR fuel cycle facilities (including reprocessing facilities) and estimated the facility costs, including the unit costs for each step in the fuel cycle.

Radioactive Waste Management

• Provides support to the DOE Yucca Mountain repository project including:
• Evaluated disposability of spent fuel in dual-purpose canisters, including consideration of the technical and economic status and benefit/cost risk factors associated with present and future designs.
• Developed an analytical method for estimating the sensitivity of repository rock temperature to differences in spent fuel burn-up and age at time of emplacement.
• Developed systematic methods for spent fuel selection for the long-term control of waste package thermal output.
• Provided technical and logistics support in connection with interfaces between DOE/RW and utility companies, DOE/EM, Navy, and DOE/MD in connection with the contracts/agreements for disposal of spent fuel and plutonium.
• Developing technical waste acceptance criteria for spent fuel assemblies, spent fuel contained in multi-purpose canisters and transportable storage casks, consolidated fuel rods and non-fuel bearing components, failed fuel, non-fuel assembly hardware, and vitrified high level waste.
• Developing plans for verification of the characteristics of spent fuel accepted by DOE, and operational plans and procedures for the acceptance of spent fuel and other waste by DOE.
• Developing a Unified Database computerized system for providing a single, integrated source for technical and financial data to support licensing, acceptance, storage, transportation, and disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste.
• Performed technical reviews and assessments of spent fuel/high level waste disposal programs in 11 countries. Identified the detailed organizational structures of national waste management organizations. Performed reviews and assessments of policy issues, legislation, regulations, and funding systems.
• Provided technical and administrative support in developing and evaluating options for the management of spent fuel and high level radioactive wastes, particularly as they impact the State of South Carolina. Assessed the risks and benefits of options.
• Investigated and assessed alternative methods for the treatment and disposal of radioactive wastes from medical applications. Developed estimates for overall waste management costs. Developed recommendations regarding the preferred method of treatment and identified most qualified suppliers.

Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials

• Managed the development of all aspects of transportation systems for shipment of spent fuel from reactors to DOE storage and disposal facilities including cask development, development of support facilities and service planning documents, preparation of the transportation environmental assessment, and development of procurement specifications, for DOE.
• Analyzed the prospective use of burn-up credit in the design of spent fuel shipping casks, with the goal to maximize the payload of the casks without compromising safety.
• Developed transport strategies including estimates of costs for spent fuel shipping casks and for the total cost of shipping, for DOE and U.S. utility companies, with the goal to optimize the cost and performance of transportation activities involving radioactive materials.
• Analyzed commercial offers for spent fuel transport services for U.S. utility companies and providing assistance in contract negotiations, with the goal to select the offer that was the most advantageous to the utility.
• Provided technical support to DOE’s Packaging and Transportation Safety Program (all types of radioactive materials), with the goal to enhance the safety of transporting these materials.
• Performed quality assurance audits of the manufacture of protective packages for enriched UF6 shipment, for commercial fuel fabricators, with the goal to ensure that packages met all regulatory requirements.

Spent Fuel Storage

• Provided the Manager of Spent Fuel Transportation and Storage to the DOE’s Management and Operating (M&O) Contractor for the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System, as well as lead managers and technical staff in transportation, waste acceptance, and logistics activities associated with the storage and disposal of spent fuel and high level waste. Spent fuel storage related activities have included:
• Providing oversight of the conceptual designs of centralized spent fuel storage facilities.
• Supporting procurement actions to acquire spent fuel storage modules and associated facilities including development of specifications, evaluation of bids, negotiation of contracts, evaluation of work products, and technical contract administration. Personnel served as technical lead on procurement.
• Performing studies of the prospective use of multi-purpose canisters in the combined utility-DOE spent fuel management systems, and developed recommendations regarding such use.
• Supporting procurement activities to acquire multi-purpose canister systems including canisters, storage casks, disposal packaging, and associated auxiliary equipment. Work involved included development of specifications, evaluation of bids, negotiation of contracts, evaluation of work products, and technical contract administration. Personnel served as technical lead on procurement.
• Performed six separate comparative assessments of alternative spent fuel storage technologies with respect to their use at specific utility/user sites. Developed recommendations for preferred alternatives.
• Developed a PC-based analysis template for use in evaluation of alternative dry storage technologies for spent nuclear fuel at reactor sites. The program separately evaluates cost and non-cost attributes of the technologies. The cost program, EPRIdryC, calculates the total life cycle cost of utilization of each dry storage technology based on input capital and operating costs, scenarios of use, and cost of money. The non-cost program, EPRIdryN, calculates a figure of merit for each dry storage technology based on an evaluation of the impacts of various attributes such as status of vendor technology, operational impacts at the reactor, operational risk assessment considerations, vendor resources and capability, and public perception. The template was developed and distributed on PC diskettes, and a users manual was developed. Training sessions were organized and conducted.
• Developed annual FIS Fee Report for DOE to serve as a basis for published charges for FIS services in full accordance with NWPA (for 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 reports). Work included analysis of PNL database on utility capabilities and requirements; design of facilities for storage of spent fuel by alternative methods and at varying capacities; estimation of capital and operating costs of storage and transportation, development of life cycle costs for alternative storage methods and different facility capabilities; development of mechanism of fee determination; development of spent fuel acceptance criteria; development of contractual terms and conditions for FIS.
• Compiled two handbooks containing the specifications, performance information, and licensing status of available spent fuel storage and transportation casks. Compiled and edited a monograph on spent fuel storage technologies.

Decontamination & Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities

• Provided project management for an independent determination of the cost of decommissioning a foreign gas-cooled reactor.
• Performed an analysis of the considerations related to the removal of safety structures, systems, and components during the decommissioning of light water reactors.
• Performed technical reviews and assessments of decommissioning activities in the U.S. This included an analysis of the NRC confirmatory survey for license termination at Fort St Vrain, a review of the rule on clearance levels, an analysis of the Yankee Rowe license termination plan and of the criteria for final radiological survey, a review of decommissioning activities at Trojan, an analysis of risk coefficients and risk factors, a summary of the Marssim methodology, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of chemical decontamination of reactor cooling systems.
• Identified and analyzed the decommissioning cost funding methods in the U.S. as well as cost validation methods. This included determination of revenue requirements, accounting practices, taxation, and regulatory practices.
• Performed an independent assessment of the cost of decommissioning a highly enriched uranium fuel fabrication facility. Evaluated the adequacy of reserves for remediation of plant site, and for the decommissioning of a plutonium fuel processing facility.

Nuclear Safety and Licensing

• Coauthored DOE’s Criticality Burn-up Credit Topical Report, which assessed the criticality aspects of loading spent fuel into shipping casks. Participated in the development of DOE’s Disposal Criticality Topical Report, which addressed the criticality considerations for disposal of spent fuel in the proposed Yucca Mountain waste repository. Participated in Naval Reactors Addendum to the DOE Disposal Criticality Topical Report, which addressed the criticality considerations for disposal of spent naval reactor fuel at Yucca Mountain. These activities were directed at optimizing the criticality and cost of the operations involved.
• Provided a senior staff member to serve on a temporary basis as Senior Vice President of Safety and Regulatory for a naval fuel producer with responsibility for directing the design and control of safety systems and overall safety management of the plant. Operations also involved the dilution of HEU from weapons dismantlement to LEU. Work resulted in the renewal of the plant’s license by NRC.
• Performed an analysis of the considerations associated with Virginia participating in the NRC Agreement State Program and developed recommendations. Identified the Agreement states regulatory environment, developed the process sequence for instituting a new agreement including program assistance and phase implementation. Assessed NRC evaluation of alternative arrangements and the NRC revenues from Virginia licensees. Developed a preliminary cost estimate for establishing the Agreement State program and the pros and cons of Virginia becoming an Agreement State. Developed recommendations for Virginia taking over regulatory responsibility for the nominal 350 licensees located within the Commonwealth and at the same time reducing costs to the licensees.
• Conducted 15 separate audits of the radiological health and safety programs of uranium mining and milling facilities and the monitoring programs associated therewith to determine the degree of conformance to prevailing regulations, license conditions, established procedures and good practice.
• Participated in Technical Safety Appraisals of DOE facilities, including Hanford, West Valley Demonstration Project, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, Fernald, Fast Flux Test Facility, ICPP Fuel Processing Restoration Project, and Defense Waste Processing Facility.
• Participated in the development and writing of the transportation chapter and transportation appendix of the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Prepared responses to public comments received on transportation aspects of the EIS.

Safeguards

• Developed the nuclear material control and accounting plan, the physical protection plan, the safeguards contingency plan, and the security personnel-training plan for the proposed Yucca Mountain geologic repository, with the goal to support the NRC licensing of the repository.
• Performed threat and vulnerability assessments for the proposed Yucca Mountain geologic repository, with the goal to form the basis for the design of a physical protection system that would minimize the possibility of sabotage and theft or diversion of nuclear materials.
• Developed fundamental nuclear material control plans for enrichment facilities, DOE production reactor facilities, and highly enriched uranium fuel fabrication facilities, with the goal to provide stringent and systematic control of strategic nuclear materials in full accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Performed a feasibility study of the application of ultrasonic seal technology to the safeguarding of spent fuel in containers, with the goal to improve the timeliness of detection of tampering with the containers.
• Developed a new methodology for detecting theft or diversion of plutonium from spent fuel reprocessing facilities for NRC to recommend be used by IAEA as a means of timely detection.
• Performed error analysis of the cascade inventory at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant and identified methods for improvement of measurement quality and reduction of accumulated inventory difference, with the goal to improve the control of nuclear materials at Portsmouth.
• Designed physical protection systems for highly enriched uranium facilities, research and development facilities and reactors, with the goal to protect nuclear materials from theft and nuclear facilities from sabotage.
• Developed special physical protection procedures for nuclear power plants, with the goal to prevent theft of nuclear material and sabotage during safety-related emergencies.

Nuclear Arms Control

• Reviewed status of Russia decommissioning and dismantling activities on nuclear submarines in the Far East and Northern Russia, including the disposition of the spent fuel and low-level waste resulting from these activities. Identified countries and agencies that are providing funding and technical assistance to the Russians in this effort and the interfaces between them. Identified contractor companies being used for implementation of work.
• Performed an assessment of the prevailing situation in Russia with respect to the disposition of spent naval fuel and associated wastes from the operation and decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear submarines. Specifically it identified and analyzed the issues associated with national and international security, physical protection and nuclear material control and accountability, methods of disposition, design and construction of facilities for disposition, safety and environmental impacts, and quality assurance. It also examined plans and work in progress for improving security, safety, and environmental conditions involved in the disposition of such materials. The study developed recommendations for integration and coordination of U.S. efforts to facilitate the dismantlement of nuclear submarines, and developed a logic diagram technique for use in development of a master plan.
• Performed a study of the feasibility of using an adjusted running book inventory (ARBI) methodology for detection of theft or diversion of plutonium from reprocessing plants. Developed statistical testing methods for ARBI data, determined the sensitivity of statistical tests, and developed a recommended approach for using ARBI. Applied the ARBI methodology to a model reprocessing facility, and portions thereof, to demonstrate its effectiveness for detection of theft and diversion of plutonium (and uranium). This effort resulted in the availability of an effective alternative, or supplemental method, for detecting theft or diversion on a near-real-time basis.
• Performed an assessment of the impacts of bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Australia on the sales of uranium concentrates.
• Performed an analysis of the logistics, cost, and time requirements for the emergency retrieval of spent fuel of U.S. origin from a foreign country that had violated the terms of its bilateral agreement with the U.S., with the goal to provide a model for contingency planning.

Technical Reviews and Audits

• Participated in an assessment of the nuclear criticality safety and emergency preparedness of 10 U.S. nuclear fuel plants in the wake of the criticality accident at the Japanese facility at Tokaimura.
• Participated in performance of detailed reviews and assessments of three DOE projects; a low level radioactive waste disposal facility at Oak Ridge, an advanced mixed waste treatment project at Idaho Falls, and a health physics instrumentation laboratory at Idaho Falls. These activities were mandated by Congress; followed the guidelines set down by the National Research Council; and included assessment of the project’s technical validity, cost effectiveness, whether it was a realistic means for accomplishing its objectives.
• Performed resident inspection of UF6 withdrawal and packaging activities at DOE diffusion plants at Oak Ridge, TN and Piketon, OH and at foreign enrichment plants in France, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands on behalf of clients for nearly 30 years. Witnessed sampling of UF6 cylinders and arranged for independent isotopic, uranium and impurity analysis. Performed inspections on new UF6 cylinders, tie downs on loaded cylinders and protective packaging. Performed inspection of shipments of uranium concentrates and UF6 at port of entry/embarkation to make certain packaging conformed to regulations.
• Performed quality assurance audits and inspections of commercial fuel fabrication facilities on behalf of utility clients. Work performed at Westinghouse-Columbia (SC) and Cheswick (PA), General Electric-Wilmington (NC) and San Jose (CA), Combustion Engineering-Windsor (CT), Babcock and Wilcox-Lynchburg (VA), Exxon-Richland (WA), British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.-Springfields, and at some component supplier locations. Work included review of process systems, review of quality assurance programs for adequacy, audit of implementation of quality assurance program, and select inspection of components.
• Performed audits of the nuclear material control and accounting system of a nuclear fuel plant to determine extent of compliance with applicable NRC regulations, procedures, and license conditions. Prepared recommendations for improvements to the system.
• Performed audit of physical protection system of an electric utility system including generation plants, transmission lines, substations, warehouses, offices and maintenance facilities. Developed recommendations for improvements to physical protection system.

Information Research

• Researched and compiled information worldwide relating to spent fuel storage, disposal of radioactive wastes, and decontamination and decommissioning practices for several clients, including information on:
• technologies used
• prevailing legislation and regulations
• costs, funding, and financial assurance requirements
• organization.
• Developed a Unified Database computerized system for providing a single, integrated source for technical and financial data to support licensing, acceptance, storage, transportation, and disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste by DOE.
• Organized and conducted 17 major seminars on spent fuel and radioactive waste management for the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management.
• Performed an extensive literature search regarding the use of metal hydrides for the storage of hydrogen for use in internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
• Published four books on spent fuel storage technologies, the reprocessing of spent fuel, and the nuclear fuel cycle and safeguards.

Financing and Cost Estimating

• Performed a series of studies of the impact of acceptance of spent fuel in various forms on the costs to DOE for transportation, storage, and geologic disposal. Forms included intact fuel assemblies; consolidated fuel; failed fuel; fuel with high thermal output; non-fuel bearing components; non-fuel hardware; and spent fuel contained in dual purpose casks, dual purpose multiple assembly canisters, and smaller capacity canisters. Work supported revision of DOE waste acceptance criteria.
• Performed independent assessments of the costs for decontamination and decommissioning a plutonium fuel manufacturing facility, a waste retention pond, and a specialty nuclear fuel plant. The assessment was part of the due diligence in connection with the transfer of ownership of the facilities. Also performed similar work for a highly enriched uranium fuel fabrication facility to satisfy its regulatory requirements.
• Developed a unique method of financing nuclear fuel and performed assessments of the sensitivity of the method to future changes in interest rates and tax laws both in the U.S. and in a foreign country. Developed financial plans for nuclear facilities during construction periods, and for pollution control facilities.
• Developed annual fee report for the DOE Federal Interim Storage program to serve as a basis for published charges for spent fuel storage services in full accordance with NWPA (for 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 reports). Work included analysis of PNL database on utility capabilities and requirements; design of facilities for storage of spent fuel by alternative methods and at varying capacities; estimation of capital and operating costs of storage and transportation, development of life cycle costs for alternative storage methods and different facility capabilities; development of mechanism of fee determination; development of spent fuel acceptance criteria; development of contractual terms and conditions for FIS.
• Performed appraisals of the market value of the NFS West Valley, GE Morris, and AGNS Barnwell reprocessing plants. This included appraisals developed by indexing methods, replacement costs, and income valuation, and considered wear and tear and contingency liabilities associated with the facilities involved. Assessed current and potential utility of the plants, identified most beneficial potential use thereof, and developed cost estimates for any modifications necessary to realize these benefits.

Systems Engineering

• Performed a comprehensive assessment of the quantities and characteristics of non-fuel-bearing hardware and the disposal alternatives for these materials, including in-assembly insertion, compaction within canisters, and disposal as low-level waste.
• Developed a methodology for the systematic selection of spent fuel assemblies for tailoring the thermal load of the waste package used for geologic disposal, with the goal to obtain uniform thermal loading in the repository.
• Developed and applied methodologies for comparative assessment of alternative waste forms, spent fuel disassembly alternatives, and spent fuel storage methods. These methodologies were based on both cost and non-cost attributes and provide a clearly logical approach to decision making.
• Developed representative set of self-shielded packages and multi-purpose casks for the transport, storage, and disposal of spent fuel. Evaluated materials for use in fabricating the packages/casks and the cost thereof. Evaluated thermal and other constraints to size of the packages/casks. Estimated cost increases/reductions to the combined utility and DOE spent fuel management systems as a result of the use of example packages/casks. This was a landmark study, which constituted the basis for DOE's decision to consider the multi-purpose canister option for spent fuel management.
• Performed a study of the prospects of achieving lower manufacturing costs for metal casks for spent fuel storage and for dual purpose use (transport and storage) as a result of the manufacture of multiple units, learning curve effects, vendor pricing practices, and market conditions.

Management Assistance

• Provided support to electric utilities in negotiations of long-term contracts for natural uranium concentrates ($9-billion dollar value). Addressed suppliers’ costs and terms/conditions. Developed recommendation for contract modifications that gave protection to utilities against market changes and cost escalations. Work resulted in substantial concessions by suppliers.
• Provided support to electric utilities in their procurement of conversion, transportation, and reprocessing services. Prepared bid specifications, performed comparative analyses of proposals received, and prepared recommendations for selection of successful proposals.
• Provided expert testimony in two major legal cases involving procurement of uranium concentrates and spent fuel storage services that directly resulted in savings of over $300-million and $10-million, respectively, to the defendants.
• Performed market studies of needs and prices for spent fuel storage casks, low level waste containers, PWR steam generators, and nuclear reactor components -- for a variety of clients.