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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

THE SPECTROGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF URANIUM 235. PART V. ROUTINE APPLICATION OF A MULTIPLE HOLLOW CATHODE SOURCE ASSEMBLY AND A DIRECT-READING, LITTROW, GRATING SPECTROGRAPH

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4795092

The routine application of a rapid, high-precision procedure and a high resolution spectrograph to the isotopic analysis of uranium is described. The procedure, which evolved from previous developments, includes a simple sample preparation and a hollow cathode source designed for rapid sample changing. The procedure also involves a high degree of automation, and eliminates the reference measurement and background correction. The precision at the level of naturally occurring uranium (0.7115% U/sup 235/), measured under routine conditions, is plus or minus 2.1% of the amount present, for a single cathode determination expressed at the 95% confidence interval. In the vicinity of 90% U/sup 235/ the precision is 0.07% of the amount present, for a single cathode determination. Approximately 7 1/2 mins is required for a determination, including sample preparation, measurement, and calculations. The maximum capacity of the instrument is over 60 samples per 8 hr day; the instrument is presentiy applied to a routine load varying from 20 to 50 samples per day. In addition to the U/ sup 235/ determination, a preliminary calibration and evaluation for U/sup 236/ is included. (auth)

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Tenn.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
NSA Number:
NSA-16-028873
OSTI ID:
4795092
Report Number(s):
TID-12769
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English