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

Conference · Wed Sep 08 04:00:00 EDT 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4539(199907/08)28:4<230::AID-XRS338>3.0.CO;2-C· OSTI ID:14872

Ryon, R W ^[1]; Ruhter, W D; Rudenko, V; Sirontinin, A; Petrov, A A

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1. LLNL

We have refined and tested a previously developed x-ray fluorescence analysis technique for uranium and plutonium solutions that 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. It is possible to accurately calibrate the system with a single solution standard. There does not need to be a close match in composition (i.e., absorption) between the standard(s) and solutions to be analyzed. 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. An alternate design may be used in chemical reprocessing plants, providing continuous monitoring, by measuring the trans-actinides through stainless steel piping. This technique has been tested at the Bochvar Research 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). A part of this program is to accurately measure and track inventories of materials, thus the need for good non-destructive analytical techniques such as the one described here.

• 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: 14872
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC-130094--Rev-1; 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
COBALT 57
DESIGN
GADOLINIUM 153
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PLUTONIUM
URANIUM
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS