Optically-Based Array Sensors for Selective In Situ Analysis of Tank Waste

Technical Report · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/829886· OSTI ID:829886

Brown, Gilbert M; Walt, David R; Dabestani, Reza; Bonnesen, Peter V

The objective of this research program is to conduct the fundamental research necessary to develop an array of chemically selective sensors, based on highly selective molecular recognition agents and highly sensitive fluorescence and/or phosphorescence techniques, that can be coupled to fiber optics for remote analytical applications. These sensors will be of great value to DOE for the safe and cost-effective in situ characterization of high level waste tanks. Characterization of high level tank waste currently entails obtaining and analyzing core samples at the cost of about $1 million per sample. The ability to detect and measure specific chemicals and radionuclides directly inside a high level waste tank using a remote sensing device could result in considerable benefits with regard to both cost savings and safety issues. This multidisciplinary approach to the design of sensors will be to immobilize agents for selective molecular recognition, chosen from solvent extraction processes, in an organic polymer matrix that mimics the organic medium in an aqueous-nonaqueous extraction. In this manner the matrix will enhance both the separation and the achievement of chemical selectivity.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN; Tufts University, Medford, Mass (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) (US)
• OSTI ID: 829886
• Report Number(s): EMSP-60217--1999
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DESIGN
FIBER OPTICS
FLUORESCENCE
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PHOSPHORESCENCE
RADIOISOTOPES
REMOTE SENSING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SAFETY
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
TANKS
WASTES