A novel assay method for the trace determination of Th and U in copper and lead using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2014.11.052· OSTI ID:1171869

LaFerriere, Brian D.; Maiti, Tapas C.; Arnquist, Isaac J.; Hoppe, Eric W.

This study describes a novel sample preparation and assay method developed in support of the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR experiment for the determination of thorium and uranium levels in copper and lead shielding components. Meticulously clean sample preparation methods combined with novel anion exchange separations for analyte pre-concentration and matrix removal were developed. Quantification was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Detection limits of 0.0084 pg ²³²Th/g and 0.0106 pg ²³⁸U/g were determined for copper, while detection limits of 0.23 pg ²³²Th/g and 0.46 pg ²³⁸U/g were achieved for lead. These methods allow the Majorana Collaboration to accurately assay detector components and ensure that the experiment’s stringent radiopurity requirements are met.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1171869
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-104924; 830403000; TRN: US1500036
• Journal Information: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, Vol. 775; ISSN 0168-9002
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ICP MASS SPECTROSCOPY
COPPER
LEAD
THORIUM 232
URANIUM 238
CONCENTRATION RATIO
Trace Amounts
SAMPLE PREPARATION
SENSITIVITY
ION EXCHANGE
REMOVAL
SHIELDING
Radiation Detectors
Impurities
Ultratrace
Uranium
Thorium
Radiopurity Assay
ICP-MS
Majorana