Rapid separation and purification of uranium and plutonium from dilute-matrix samples

This work describes a streamlined approach to the separation and purification of trace uranium and plutonium in environmental swipe samples that contain a small amount of collected bulk material. We describe key modifications to conventional techniques that result in a relatively rapid, safe, cost-e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry 2014-05, Vol.300 (2), p.859-866
Main Authors: Armstrong, Christopher R., Ticknor, Brian W., Hall, Gregory, Cadieux, James R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Chemistry and Materials Science
Concentration (composition)
Cotton
Diagnostic Radiology
Hadrons
Heavy Ions
Inorganic Chemistry
Ionization
Mass spectrometers
Mass spectrometry
Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear Physics
Physical Chemistry
Plutonium
Purification
RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
Separation
Uranium
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Summary:This work describes a streamlined approach to the separation and purification of trace uranium and plutonium in environmental swipe samples that contain a small amount of collected bulk material. We describe key modifications to conventional techniques that result in a relatively rapid, safe, cost-effective, and efficient U and Pu separation process. Simulated samples were produced by loading appropriate 235 U, 238 U, and 240 Pu onto high purity cotton swipes. Uranium concentration and isotopic composition were measured by multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Corresponding plutonium measurements were conducted with a three stage thermal ionization mass spectrometer. Quantitative U and Pu recoveries were observed with this method.
ISSN:0236-5731
1588-2780
DOI:10.1007/s10967-014-3070-9