[en] A comparison of enrichment techniques has been carried out using a small bank of gas centrifuge enrichment units to simulate conditions in a commercial plant. The detectors compared included an in-line version of the gas phase enrichment monitor and a prototype Go-NoGo monitor. In these comparisons it was found that the gas phase enrichment monitor had an ultimate precision of about 0.5% for all measurements of enrichment between natural and 20%. The Go-NoGo instrument developed in the present programme was based on previous studies, and took advantage of the experience gained in other support programmes. Two different methods of correcting for wall deposits were investigated. On the basis of these studies a versatile Go-NoGo instrument has been designed for usage on pipes varying in diameter from 30 to 120 mm. Further development of this instrument will be carried out using a UF₆ test loop facility which is currently under construction. (author)

[en] A new corona points mechanism is described which has expanded considerably the range of terminal voltages possible and thus provided more versatile capabilities for the 3 MeV Van de Graaff Accelerator operating at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization. 1 ref., 3 figs

[en] A neutron interogation facility has been established at the Lucas Heights Research Laboratories for the in vivo determination of total body nitrogen in malnourished patients. Design parameters of the TBN facility are discussed, with respect to optimisation of nitrogen count rates and reduction of backgrounds. Operational features are described. The facility is used in collaborative studies of cystic fibrosis with the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, and of chronic haemodialysis with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

[en] Short communication

[en] Neutron coincidence counting is an established technique for the assay of plutonium waste from nuclear reactors and reprocessing plants. There are, however, basic limitations on existing instrumentation. This paper presents an outline of an original method of Pu assay based on a high efficiency liquid scintillation counter. Progress made using a recently constructed liquid scintillator is also included

[en] A 3 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator has been in operation at Lucas Heights for 21 years achieving over 77,000 hours operation. With the ageing of the accelerator, there has been a decrease in the amount of fundamental research and an increase in applications work. The present accelerator offers a unique tool to be used in assessing the suitability of components and systems for applications in an environment where electrostatic fields and radiation pose a significant problem. It also lends itself as a suitable injection stage to study post acceleration techniques

[en] Short communication