Automated analysis of radionuclides in nuclear waste: Rapid determination of {sup 90}Sr by sequential injection analysis
- Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
- Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)
A rapid, automated microanalytical procedure for the determination of {sup 90}Sr in aged nuclear waste has been developed. It is based on a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system which rapidly separates {sup 90}Sr from {sup 90}Y, {sup 137}Cs, and other radionuclides. The isolated {sup 90}Sr is then detected on-line with a flow-through liquid scintillation counter. The separation is achieved using a sorbent extraction minicolumn containing a resin (EIChrom, Sr-Spec) that selectively binds {sup 90}Sr as a crown ether complex under acidic conditions. The {sup 90}Sr is eluted with water, mixed with liquid scintillation cocktail, and detected in the flow cell of the counter. Sample {sup 90}Sr activity can be quantified from peak areas, giving linear calibration curves. The instrument can also be operated in a stopped-flow mode for longer counting times. Analyses of aged nuclear waste samples from the Hanford site by the SIA method and a manual method were in excellent agreement: correlation coefficient R = 0.994. Sample analysis by the SIA method is complete in less than 40 min. The advantages of the new {sup 90}Sr analyzer include faster analysis, greater precision, reduced labor costs, and reduced secondary waste. Worker safety is improved because solution handling operations are fully automated and contained. 46 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 199408
- Journal Information:
- Analytical Chemistry (Washington), Journal Name: Analytical Chemistry (Washington) Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 68; ISSN ANCHAM; ISSN 0003-2700
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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