skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Dual silicon surface-barrier detectors and associated electronics for monitoring chemical separation of sup 249 Cf and sup 249 Bk

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7167876

The isotopes {sup 249}Cf and {sup 249}Bk are chemically separated by ion exchange chromatography at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Transuranium Processing Plant. Control of the separation depends on the operator's ability to distinguish electronically between alpha radiation from the {sup 249}Cf and beta particles from the {sup 249}Bk. This new monitoring system consists of two surface-barrier detectors, each having its own channel of electronics and data acquisition. The two detectors are mounted in a Teflon holder and positioned near the tip of the ion exchange column, where droplets of solution are formed as the nuclides are eluted from the column. Amplifier gain and window settings on the single-channel analyzer (SCA) for one detector are adjusted to count the energetic alpha particles from the {sup 249}Cf, while the electronic settings of the other channel are adjusted to count the lower energy beta particles from {sup 249}Bk. The alpha count rate will increase first as {sup 249}Cf passes from the column; then the beta count rate increases, indicating that {sup 249}Bk is being eluted. At this point, the operator can make a cut in the separation process. 4 figs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
7167876
Report Number(s):
CONF-900563-2; ON: DE90010436; TRN: 90-026908
Resource Relation:
Conference: 7. symposium on radiation measurements and applications, Ann Arbor, MI (USA), 21-24 May 1990
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English