In-toto non-destructive assay methodology for the elimination of metallic waste from particle accelerators after melting

Melting of metallic waste reduces the waste volume, allows more accurate radiological characterization, and minimizes handling at the waste production site. This paper proposes a new non-destructive assay methodology to radiologically characterize low- and intermediate-level (LILW) waste before melting. A non-destructive assay technique is developed and qualified using geometry optimization technique and sample analysis after melting. Additionally, we present an operational methodology to predict the activity values of the major gamma emitters based on the average dose rate measurements. •Waste volume reduction via melting allows more accurate characterization.•A new NDA methodology to characterize solid metallic waste before melting.•Qualify uniform activity NDA using geometry optimization and sample analysis.•A methodology that predicts the total beta-gamma activity based on the average dose.