Uranium and plutonium solution assays by transmission-corrected x-ray fluorescence

Conference · Wed Jul 29 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:14545

Ruhter, W D ^[1]; Ryon, R W

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1. LLNL

We have developed an x-ray fluorescence analysis technique for uranium and plutonium solutions which compensates for variations in the absorption of the exciting gamma rays and fluorescent x-rays. We use {sup 57}Co to efficiently excite the K lines of the elements, and a mixed {sup 57}Co plus {sup 153}Gd transmission source to correct for variations in absorption. The absorption correction is a unique feature of our technique which permits accurate calibration with a single solution standard and the measurement of a wide range of concentrations (up to 300 grams per liter). Without this correction procedure, up to six solution standards are required to correct for non-linearity over this concentration range. In addition, other elements present in the specimens and not present in the standards would otherwise reduce the accuracy or even invalidate the analyses. Specially designed equipment incorporates a planar intrinsic germanium detector, excitation and transmission radioisotopes, and specimen holder. The apparatus can be inserted into a rubber glove of a glovebox, keeping the apparatus outside and the solutions inside the glovebox, thereby protecting the user and the equipment from possible contamination. This technique will be tested at the Bochvar Institute of Inorganic Materials in Moscow for possible use in the Russian complex of nuclear facilities. This is part of a cooperative program between laboratories in the United States and Russia to strengthen systems of nuclear materials protection, control, and accountability (MPC and A) in both countries. A part of this program is to accurately measure and track inventories of materials, thus the need for good non-destructive analytical techniques.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP) (US)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 14545
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC-130094; GJ0800000; GJ0800000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
CALIBRATION
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PLUTONIUM
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
SAMPLE HOLDERS
URANIUM
USA
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS