THE DETERMINATION OF $sup 235$U BY THE ISOTOPE DILUTION METHOD

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1960 · Analytica Chimica Acta (Netherlands)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(01)81278-2· OSTI ID:4157483

Webster, R K; Dance, D F; Morgan, J W; Preece, E R; Slee, L J; Smales, A A

An examination was made of the precision which might be achieved by using an isotopic dilution method for the determination of U/sup 235/ in the feed solution of an enriched uranium fuel chemical processing plant such as the Dounreay M.T.R. chemical plant. Four solutions were prepared to simulate diluted samples of feed solution. They contained uranium with an isotopic content ranging from 93% U/sup 235/ to 50% U/sup 235/. Separation of uranium was made by solvent extraction with tri(iso-octyl)maine. and isotopic analyses were then made using two Metropolitan-Vickers M.S./sub 5/ mass spectrometers. Both U/ sup 233/ and natural uranium were examined as possible tracers. Using U/sup 233/ as the ti-acer the results for the four solutions yield a mean precision (3 sigma ) of 0.37% for a result based on six replicate analyses and 0.83% for one based on a single analysis. These values include the random errors involved in the mass spectrometric calibration of the tracer, but not errors associated with the gravimetric preparation of a U/sup 235/ standard or those which would be concerned with taking a sample from a plant. The results obtained using a natural uranium tracer are less satisfactory. and possible explanations are suggested. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
• NSA Number: NSA-14-024091
• OSTI ID: 4157483
• Journal Information: Analytica Chimica Acta (Netherlands), Journal Name: Analytica Chimica Acta (Netherlands) Vol. Vol: 23; ISSN ACACA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ALKYL RADICALS
AMINES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
ENRICHMENT
FUELS
ISOTOPES
MASS SPECTROMETERS
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
QUANTITY RATIO
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLUTIONS
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
TRACER TECHNIQUES
URANIUM
URANIUM 233
URANIUM 235