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New concept for reprocessing input verification

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)
OSTI ID:5623564

Future trends in reprocessing of spent fuel demand a new concept in the verification of the reprocessing input. An analytical robot has been adapted for sample conditioning of isotope dilution mass spectrometry, which in its final version will allow for fully automatic on-site preparation of samples for mass spectrometric analysis. Details of the setup of the robot in a glovebox, and its peripheral devices used for all steps from gravimetric aliquoting to loading of mass spectrometric filaments are described. A recent development in mass spectrometric analysis makes the measurement of nanogram amounts of plutonium possible by the so-called flash evaporation technique. This concept is superior to the earlier developed resin-bead technique. A description of the new technique of analyzing reprocessing input samples is given. Depending on the number of analysis and transport problems, the mass spectrometric analysis will be done either on-site or in verification laboratories. The small size of plutonium samples will allow easier transport and at the same time a considerably shorter mass spectrometric analysis time of the order 5 min/sample.

OSTI ID:
5623564
Report Number(s):
CONF-871110--
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Vol. 55; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English