A study of isotopic homogeneity in ``blended uranium`` using ICP-MS
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
A 20 kg uranium metal ingot was prepared from two isotopically distinct feedstocks, and drillings from various ingot sections were dissolved in a mixture of HCl, HNO{sub 3}, and HF. Uranium isotope ratios in each solution were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); total dissolved solid content was 20 {micro}g/L for determination of {sup 238}U/{sup 235}U, and 2 mg/L for determination of {sup 236}U/{sup 235}U and {sup 234}U/{sup 235}U. Between-sample coefficients of variation (n = 35) for {sup 238}U/{sup 235}U, {sup 236}U/{sup 235}U, and {sup 234}U/{sup 235}U were 0.70%, 0.90%, and 1.4%, respectively. Linear regression indicated that {sup 236}U/{sup 235}U versus {sup 238}U/{sup 235}U and {sup 234}U/{sup 235}U versus {sup 238}U/{sup 235}U were significantly correlated at the 90% confidence interval; {sup 234}U/{sup 235}U versus {sup 236}U/{sup 235}U was significantly correlated at the 98% confidence interval. These data show that the samples were not isotopically homogeneous, and demonstrate that ICP-MS can be used to assess isotopic homogeneity, even in cases where aggregate variations in isotopic composition are on the order of 1%.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 338622
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980310--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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