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U.S. Department of Energy
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ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES FOR THE PLUTONIUM METAL FABRICATION PROCESS. VI. THE COPPER SPARK METHOD

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4212759
In the copper spark method for the determination of trace impurities, the sample in hydrochloric acid solution is evaporated on copper electrodes which are sparked to produce the impurity spectra. Investigations of variables affecting sensitivity, electrode preparation, excitation conditions, and evaluation of spectra are discussed. With very careful control of all variables, precisions on the order of plus or minus 2% at the 99% limits can be obtained. A stepwise procedure for the semiquantitative analysis of solutions containing small amounts of plutonium is included. (auth)
Research Organization:
Hanford Works, Richland, Wash.
DOE Contract Number:
W-31-109-ENG-52
NSA Number:
NSA-13-020884
OSTI ID:
4212759
Report Number(s):
HW-25035
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English