Integrated approaches for reducing sample size for measurements of trace elemental impurities in plutonium by ICP-OES and ICP-MS

Journal Article · 07 October 2017 · Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5517-2 · OSTI ID:1438104

Xu, Ning ^[1]; Chamberlin, Rebecca M. ^[1]; Thompson, Pam ^[2]; Kaye, Philip ^[2]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
2. Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Aldermaston (United Kingdom)

This study has demonstrated that bulk plutonium chemical analysis can be performed at small scales (\50 mg material) through three case studies. Analytical methods were developed for ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments to measure trace impurities and gallium content in plutonium metals with comparable or improved detection limits, measurement accuracy and precision. In two case studies, the sample size has been reduced by 109, and in the third case study, by as much as 50009, so that the plutonium chemical analysis can be performed in a facility rated for lower-hazard and lower-security operations.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-06NA25396
• OSTI ID: 1438104
• Report Number(s): LA--UR-16-28848
• Journal Information: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 314; ISSN 0236-5731
• Publisher: SpringerCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY