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THE DETERMINATION OF PROTACTINIUM-233

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4772502

Protactinium-233, together with a known amount of protactinium-231, is initially separated on anion exchange resin Deacidite FF. Further purification is achieved by extraction of the protactinium into methyi isobutyl ketone (MIBK) from 6M hydrochloric acid solution, followed by back extraction as the fluoride complex. The extraction cycle is repeated, and the protactinium-233 is then determined by gamma scintillation spectrometry, the chemical yield being assessed by alpha counting the protactinium-231. The method is applicable to solutions of irradiated thorium, thorium-uranium, and thorium-beryllium alloys in sulfuric, nitric, or hydrochloric acid. The procedure is especially suitable when a determination of radioactive zirconium is also required. (auth)

Research Organization:
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Research Group. Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, England
NSA Number:
NSA-17-001375
OSTI ID:
4772502
Report Number(s):
AERE-AM-90
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English