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Title: Colorimetric Method for Beryllium Surface Contamination Detection

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/822083· OSTI ID:822083

To address the need for real-time accurate total beryllium analyses, Savannah River Technology Center Analytical Development Section personnel evaluated and modified a colorimetric screening method developed at Los Alamos National Lab to measure beryllium on surfaces. This method was based on a color complex formed by beryllium and chromium azurol s . SRTC converted this visual method to a quantitative analysis method using spectrophotometric detection. The addition of a cationic surfactant (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) to the Be-CAS system shifted the complex absorbance away from the CAS absorbance and allowed for the detection. Assuming complete dissolution and a 10 mL rinse solution volume to remove the beryllium from the wipe, the detection limit was calculated comfortably below the free release limit. The spectrophotometric method was rugged and simple enough that it could be used as a field method.

Research Organization:
Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-96SR18500
OSTI ID:
822083
Report Number(s):
WSRC-TR-2003-00537; TRN: US200412%%332
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 11 Mar 2004
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English