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Title: Actinide analytical program for characterization of Hanford waste

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5142318

The objective of this program has been to develop faster, more accurate methods for the concentration and determination of actinides at their maximum permissible concentration (MPC) levels in a controlled zone. These analyses are needed to characterize various forms of Hanford high rad waste and to support characterization of products and effluents from new waste management processes. The most acceptable methods developed for the determination of /sup 239/Pu, /sup 238/Pu, /sup 237/Np, /sup 241/Am, and /sup 243/Cm employ solvent extraction with the addition of tracer isotopes. Plutonium and neptunium are extracted from acidified waste solutions into Aliquat-336. Americium and curium are then extracted from the waste solution at the same acidity into dihexyl-N,N-diethylcarbamylmethylenephosphonate (DHDECMP). After back extraction into an aqueous matrix, these actinides are electrodeposited on steel disks for alpha energy analysis. Total uranium and total thorium are also isolated by solvent extraction and determined spectrophotometrically.

Research Organization:
Atomics International Div., Richland, Wash. (USA). Rockwell Hanford Operations
Sponsoring Organization:
US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-06-2130
OSTI ID:
5142318
Report Number(s):
ARH-SA-296; CONF-771031-12; TRN: 78-007566
Resource Relation:
Conference: 21. conference on analytical chemistry in energy technology, Gatlinburg, TN, USA, 4 Oct 1977
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English