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Wabwile JM, Angeyo HK, Massop AD. Exploring band-free Raman microspectrometry combined with PCA and MCR-ALS for size-resolved forensic analysis of uranium in aerosols in a model nuclear atmosphere. J Environ Radioact 2023; 270:107295. [PMID: 37741154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Achieving non-destructive micrometer-scale molecular and structural analysis of uranic materials in atmospheric aerosols with traditional methodologies is a challenge. Spatially resolved analysis of uranium in actinide-bearing aerosols is critical for nuclear forensics. Although laser Raman microspectrometry enables this, for the normally low uranium concentrations in the aerosols the spectra are indiscernible (band-free) against pronounced background: trace analysis requires a push in analytical strategy. We combined laser Raman microspectrometry (utilizing two lasers (λ = 532 nm, λ = 785 nm)) with principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution-alternate least squares (MCR-ALS) to perform size-resolved analysis of uranium in aerosols. Uranium-specific Raman scatter bands corresponding to uranyl nitrate (860 cm-1), uranium sulphate (868 cm-1), uranyl chloride (816 cm-1) and uranium trioxide (839 cm-1) were detected. The 816 cm-1, 854 cm-1, 868 cm-1 bands were resolved by MCR-ALS and used to identify and map uranium in PM4.5 size aerosols. Based on spectral feature selection of the signature bands, PCA identified two sources of aerosol particles in model nuclear atmosphere - Sea spray for PM4.5 and re-suspension of 'nuclear' dust from a rare earth element (REE) mine for PM2.5. The MCR-ALS-resolved uranium bands showed the potential for attributive nuclear forensic analysis.
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2
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Chen CY, Higginson MA, Kayzar-Boggs TM, Denton JS, Dunne J, Edwards MA, Eng C, Engel JR, Gaffney AM, Gilligan C, Morris MN, Rolison JM, Sanborn ME, Wende AM. Separation of protactinium from uranium-niobium alloys for 231Pa- 235U radiochronometry in nuclear forensic investigations. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2023; 332:1-16. [PMID: 37360011 PMCID: PMC10196296 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-023-08928-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The isolation and purification of protactinium from uranium materials is essential for 231Pa-235U radiochronometry, but separating Pa from uranium-niobium alloys, a common material in the nuclear fuel cycle, is challenging due to the chemical similarity of Pa and Nb. Here we present three resin chromatography separation techniques for isolating Pa from U and Nb which were independently developed by three different laboratories through ad hoc adaptations of standard operating procedures. Our results underscore the need for and value of purification methods suitable for a diversity of uranium-based materials to ensure the operational readiness of nuclear forensics laboratories. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10967-023-08928-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Yifeng Chen
- Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures Group, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 USA
| | | | - Theresa M. Kayzar-Boggs
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
| | - Joanna S. Denton
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
| | - James Dunne
- Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, RG7 4PR UK
| | - Mark A. Edwards
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
| | - Charlotte Eng
- Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures Group, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 USA
| | - John R. Engel
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
| | - Amy M. Gaffney
- Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures Group, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 USA
| | | | - Maya N. Morris
- Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures Group, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 USA
| | - John M. Rolison
- Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures Group, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 USA
| | - Matthew E. Sanborn
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
| | - Allison M. Wende
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
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3
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Wren MS, May I, Guardincerri E, Boswell MS, Herman SM, Warzecha EJ, Haney MM, Fotiades N, Dale GE, Hanson SK. Chemical separation and measurement of platinum activation products. Talanta 2023; 260:124587. [PMID: 37137176 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A method has been developed to purify and measure platinum radioisotopes in the presence of fission products and environmental constituents. The method uses a combination of cation exchange and anion exchange chromatography and selective precipitation steps to remove other radioisotopes from the sample. The addition of stable platinum carrier allows for a gravimetric determination of the chemical yield of the procedure. Overall, the method is fast, simple, and potentially applicable for rapid turnaround of unknown samples. Using this method, multiple platinum radioisotopes were measured in two different irradiation experiments. The measured ratios of the platinum radioisotopes clearly reflect the neutron spectrum of the irradiation, suggesting that platinum radioisotopes could be valuable signatures in nuclear forensic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda S Wren
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
| | - Iain May
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
| | | | | | - Staci M Herman
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | | | - Morgan M Haney
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | | | - Gregory E Dale
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
| | - Susan K Hanson
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA.
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4
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Ramebäck H, Vesterlund A, Hedberg M, Jonsson S, Lagerkvist P, Vidmar T. Gamma spectrometric measurement of uranium isotopic composition and mass in sintered UO 2 pellets using the efficiency transfer method. Appl Radiat Isot 2023; 192:110607. [PMID: 36495787 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gamma spectrometric measurements to determine the isotopic composition and total uranium mass in UO2 pellets (D = 7.5 mm; H = 3.5 mm, ρ = 10 g/cm3) were carried out. The required efficiency curve was obtained by applying the efficiency transfer method from a calibration standard (D = 65 mm; H = 20 mm) of a slightly acidified water solution. The average isotopic composition of ten UO2 pellets was consistent with values of natural uranium given by IUPAC. The average relative bias for the 235U/238U amount ratio was -0.73% using the 1001 keV gamma line for 238U and 0.50% using the 63 keV gamma line (186 keV was always used for 235U). For the total uranium mass, the mean deviation as compared to mass determinations using a balance was 5.5% using the 1001 keV gamma line for 238U and 4.3% using the 63 keV gamma line.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ramebäck
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-164 90, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - A Vesterlund
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-164 90, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Hedberg
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nuclear Chemistry, SE-412 96, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - S Jonsson
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-164 90, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Lagerkvist
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-164 90, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Vidmar
- SCK-CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
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5
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Ravi K P, Mishra S, Sathyapriya RS, Murali S. Development of a rapid method for extraction of uranium from uranium bearing materials using ionic liquid as extracting agent from basic media. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 179:110017. [PMID: 34753086 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.110017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The paper presents the development of a rapid method for the direct determination of uranium using liquid scintillation analysis in uranium bearing materials with different uranium concentrations and with different impurity levels (U-ore, Uranium ore concentrate (UOC) and U-metal). Uranium extraction was carried out using hydrophobic ionic liquid Aliquat-336 thiosalicylate, ([A-336][TS]) from diluted samples in basic medium followed by liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Extraction efficiencies for uranium from aqueous medium was studied with very small volumes of ionic liquid under varying volume, pH and uranium concentration of the aqueous medium. Maximum extraction efficiency was achieved near pH 8-11. Uranium was successfully re-extracted from organic medium with nitric acid and electroplated onto stainless steel planchette for alpha spectrometry determination. Maximum re-extraction efficiency with 1 M HNO3 combined with electroplating efficiency observed was 80%. The methodology was applied for real samples. The uranium extraction efficiency using ionic liquid was about 85% for U-metal and UOC samples with comparatively low impurity level; whereas extraction efficiency for U-ore samples was found to be less than 40%. The technique can be applied for nuclear forensic applications as well as nuclear emergency scenarios for a quick initial assessment and isotopic analysis of uranium in the samples.
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6
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Burdeinyi D, Kutnii D, Levenets V, Turkin A, Marks N, Lindvall R, Treinen K. Application of HRGS for forensic characterization of uranium oxides, pure uranium metals and uranium alloys. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 177:109910. [PMID: 34481315 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A nondestructive iterative method for uranium-bearing material characterization with HRGS developed earlier in Burdeinyi et al. (2020) is applied to determine matrix densities, uranium mass fraction and uranium isotope masses of uranium ore, UO2 and U3O8 powders, fuel elements in the form of UO2 microspheres, uranium metal and uranium alloys. It is shown that U3O8 powders with uranium mass fraction of about 84% can be distinguished from the powders of UO2 with uranium mass fraction of about 87%; uranium products in the form of liquid or loose powder with matrix density of 0.5-2.0g/cm3 can be distinguished from uranium products in the form of compacted fuel elements with matrix density of 6.0-10.0g/cm3 and from pure metal uranium and uranium alloys with matrix density of 14.0-19.0g/cm3. In fuel microspheres based on UO2 the uranium mass fraction 88.02% measured by HRGS is consistent, within the measurement uncertainties, with the results of isotope dilution mass spectrometry 87.76±0.64% and also is confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The uranium mass fraction of the uranium ore estimated as 0.08% by HRGS is consistent, within the measurement uncertainties, with the value 0.09±0.01% determined with WDXRF. Densities of two different uranium metal samples, estimated as 18.42g/cm3 and 19.33g/cm3 by HRGS are consistent with values 18.24±0.55g/cm3 and 18.86±0.59g/cm3, respectively, obtained by the gas pycnometry technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Burdeinyi
- National Science Center "Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology", Kharkov UA61108, Ukraine.
| | - D Kutnii
- National Science Center "Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology", Kharkov UA61108, Ukraine
| | - V Levenets
- National Science Center "Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology", Kharkov UA61108, Ukraine
| | - A Turkin
- National Science Center "Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology", Kharkov UA61108, Ukraine
| | - N Marks
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - R Lindvall
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - K Treinen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
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7
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Patra S, Tripathi R, Pujari PK. Application of gamma-ray spectrometry, neutron multiplicity counting and calorimetry for non-destructive assay of U-Pu mixed samples. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 176:109891. [PMID: 34375815 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a standardless non-destructive method for simultaneous assay of uranium and plutonium in mixed samples relevant to nuclear safeguards, forensics and fuel cycle. The method is based on an in-situ absolute efficiency calibration of a γ-ray detector using plutonium γ-rays that can subsequently be used for quantification of uranium in the sample. The method was tested by assaying U-Pu samples with known amounts of U and Pu with varying mass, geometry, composition, reactor type, age and fissile isotope enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Patra
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
| | - Rahul Tripathi
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - P K Pujari
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
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8
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Oerter EJ, Singleton M, Dai Z, Donald S, Thaw M, Davisson ML. Stable isotope signatures of hydration water in secondary mineralization on UO 2. Talanta 2021; 226:122096. [PMID: 33676653 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hydrated secondary mineralization readily forms on the surface of UO2 particles exposed to humidity in an oxidizing environment. The oxygen stable isotope composition of the secondary uranium oxide may reflect that of the water vapor, as well as the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopic composition of the mineral hydration water. The geospatial organization of δ2H and δ18O values of atmospheric humidity and precipitation is increasingly well understood, which suggests that the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in secondary mineral hydration water may yield information on the environment in which the mineralization formed. UO2 powders were exposed to air with constant 30%, 61%, and 91% relative humidity, and constant H and O stable isotope composition. Aliquots were sampled from the UO2 materials at intervals of 1-10 days through the total humidity exposure duration of 180 days. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis of the humidity-exposed UO2 indicates that schoepite/metaschoepite [(UO3)•2H2O] secondary phases had formed on the underlying UO2. The δ2H and δ18O values of mineral hydration waters were determined by thermogravimetry-enabled isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (TGA-IRIS). Results indicate that hydrogen in the surface sorbed and mineral hydration waters is exchangeable and thus their δ2H values are difficult to interpret. However, oxygen in these waters is less exchangeable, and thus the oxygen stable isotope composition of the schoepite/metaschoepite hydration water is likely to be related to that of the exposure water vapor. After formation of schoepite/metaschoepite, the δ18O values of the hydration water in schoepite/metaschoepite does not change in response to changes in exposure vapor δ18O values, which suggests that the δ18O values of the hydration water is relatively durable. These findings suggest that information about the origin and storage history of a UO2 sample may be discernable from δ18O values of schoepite/metaschoepite hydration water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Oerter
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA.
| | - Michael Singleton
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Zurong Dai
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Scott Donald
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Melissa Thaw
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA; University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - M Lee Davisson
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
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9
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Thompson NBA, O'Sullivan SE, Howell RJ, Bailey DJ, Gilbert MR, Hyatt NC. Objective colour analysis from digital images as a nuclear forensic tool. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 319:110678. [PMID: 33444895 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A digital colour image may be composed of hundreds of thousands of pixels, every pixel exhibiting a single colour. Each colour can be described as a combination of red, green and blue (RGB) components, of discrete values between 0-255. The RGB data contained within the pixels of an image could, therefore, be used to quantitatively establish the colour of nuclear material powders from digital images, particularly for use in nuclear forensics applications, where there is a need for consistent, objective analysis. This paper sets out a standard method for the photography and analysis of digital images of uranium oxide powder, for the objective quantification of colour by mean RGB values. Eight heat treated (up to 550°C) powder samples of studtite ([(UO2)(O2)(H2O)2]·2H2O) were photographed at room temperature and analysed by the RGB method. Hue, saturation and value of the coloured samples were obtained alongside mean RGB values, both of which were used to successfully determine the heating temperatures of unknown specimens of studtite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan B A Thompson
- University of Sheffield, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Sarah E O'Sullivan
- University of Sheffield, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Robert J Howell
- University of Sheffield, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Daniel J Bailey
- University of Sheffield, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | | | - Neil C Hyatt
- University of Sheffield, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
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10
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Dupuis E, Isnard H, Evette C, Chartier F. Hyphenation of capillary electrophoresis with MC-ICP-MS - A novel tool for uranium age dating. Talanta 2020; 219:121345. [PMID: 32887074 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was hyphenated to multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) to determine the model age of a highly enriched uranium (HEU) sample using the 234U/230Th radiochronometer. The use of hydroxymethylbutyric acid (HMBA) as the CE electrolyte was investigated, and a complexation stacking method was developed to increase the thorium signal obtained. The age of the material was determined by measuring the 230Th content of the HEU sample using isotope dilution in conjunction with the CE-MC-ICP-MS protocol. The CE-MC-ICP-MS protocol and a standard offline protocol using gravitational chromatography both gave results in accordance within uncertainties with the production date of the HEU sample (March 1965). Liquid waste production was only of a few microliters with the use of CE. The hyphenation of CE with MC-ICP-MS render the measurement of the age of the HEU material in less than one day possible. Obtaining results in a timely fashion is of particular importance for nuclear forensics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Dupuis
- DEN - Service D'Etudes Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Hélène Isnard
- DEN - Service D'Etudes Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Charles Evette
- DEN - Service D'Etudes Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Frédéric Chartier
- DEN - Département de Physico-Chimie (DPC), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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11
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Burdeinyi D, Kutnii D, Vanzha S, Levenets V, Turkin A. A new nondestructive iterative method for forensics characterization of uranium-bearing materials by HRGS. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 166:109433. [PMID: 32977242 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the isotopic composition of a radioactive material, the high-resolution gamma spectrometry (HRGS) allows one to quantify physical characteristics of the material, which are important for nuclear forensics. A quantitative assessment of these characteristics requires two input parameters: the sample density and the mass fraction of radioactive material in the matrix. A method is proposed to determine these parameters provided that the enrichment and the total mass of the material are known. The method is formulated as an iterative quasi-Newton Broyden algorithm for finding roots of two functions in two variables. The developed method is applied to certified reference materials based on the powder uranium octaoxide in the range of enrichments from 0.3% to 93%. It is shown that the matrix density and the uranium mass fraction found experimentally well agree with the declared data in certificates, and the deviations do not exceed 4% up to an enrichment value of 93%.
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12
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Essex RM, Williams RW, Rogers KT, Hexel CR, Parsons-Davis T, Treinen KC. A new highly enriched 233U reference material for improved simultaneous determination of uranium amount and isotope amount ratios in trace level samples. Talanta 2020; 221:121638. [PMID: 33076158 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A highly-enriched 233U reference material (>0.99987 n(233U)/n(U)) has been prepared and characterized for use as an isotope dilution mass spectrometry spike. An ion exchange separation was performed on 1 g of high purity 233U to further reduce trace amounts of contaminant Pu in the material. The purified 233U was then prepared as a master solution which was analyzed for molality of uranium by modified Davies and Gray titration. A portion of the master solution was quantitatively diluted and dispensed for reference material units. Selected units were analyzed for verification of uranium amount and to characterize uranium isotope amount ratios by multi-collector inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry. Modelling of spike-corrected isotopic data show that the new spike will enable simultaneous measurements of uranium amount and isotope amount ratios with resulting uncertainties that are substantially less sensitive to over spiking than widely used 233U certified reference materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Essex
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA.
| | - Ross W Williams
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94551-0808, USA
| | - Kayron T Rogers
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Cole R Hexel
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Tashi Parsons-Davis
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94551-0808, USA
| | - Kerri C Treinen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94551-0808, USA
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13
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Said M, Eng CW, Hixon AE, Marks NE. Quantifying surface roughness on UO 2 fuel pellets using optical techniques. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 316:110470. [PMID: 32890902 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rapid, non-destructive nuclear forensic techniques can aid in signature development and provide valuable information for provenance assessments. Using optical profilometry and digital microscopy, we studied the surface roughness of fuel pellets to probe its usefulness as a forensic signature and its relationship to a given producer's grinding techniques. Arithmetic average areal (Sa) surface roughness measurements provide a rapid, non-destructive technique, producing efficient measurements with smaller standard uncertainties relative to 2D, arithmetic average profile (Ra) surface roughness measurements. Digital microscopy proved to be the superior technique over optical profilometry, in part due to its higher image quality, faster data acquisition capabilities, and multi-purpose potential in physical surface characterization. Using digital microscopy, fuel pellet Sa surface roughness varies in commercial reactor fuel pellets from 1.54±0.17μm to 2.11±0.12μm and does not appear to depend solely on the use of wet versus dry grinding techniques. Populations of pellets produced at three different commercial reactor fuel production facilities were distinguishable on the basis of Sa. Complementary to other key forensic characteristics, such as dimensions and enrichment, Sa measurements provide a promising nuclear forensic signature for sintered UO2 fuel pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Said
- Nuclear & Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Charlotte W Eng
- Nuclear & Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Amy E Hixon
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Naomi E Marks
- Nuclear & Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
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14
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Essex RM, Williams RW, Treinen KC, Hubert A, Humphrey MA, Inglis JD, Kinman WS, Maassen J, Peńkin MV, Steiner RE. A highly‑enriched 244Pu reference material for nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensics measurements. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020; 324. [PMID: 34248241 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A highly-enriched 244Pu isotope dilution reference material has been prepared and characterized for metrologically traceable measurements of very small quantities of plutonium. The amount of plutonium in samples associated with nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensic measurements can be significantly less than 1 ng. Accordingly, the ability to quantify the amount and isotopic composition of plutonium from a single mass-spectrometric analysis is particularly desirable. The highly-enriched 244Pu reference material, described here, will minimize the magnitude of spike corrections necessary to obtain accurate information on plutonium isotopic composition from isotope dilution measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Essex
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Ross W Williams
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, L-231, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, CA 94551-0808, USA
| | - Kerri C Treinen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, L-231, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, CA 94551-0808, USA
| | - Amélie Hubert
- CEA/DAM-Ile de France, 91297 Bruyères-le-Châtel, Arpajon Cedex, France
| | - Marc A Humphrey
- Department of Safeguards, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Joel Maassen
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Maxim V Peńkin
- Department of Safeguards, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Su J, Wu J, Hu S. Optimization of database for identification need of unknown spent nuclear fuel samples. J Environ Radioact 2019; 208-209:105979. [PMID: 31174924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent years, the work of nuclear forensics has been greatly promoted in many aspects, and an important work is the establishment and application of nuclear forensic database. For now, this research is mainly based on uranium ore, because there is plenty of uranium ore information that is open and is easy to form database available for attribution. However, as the potential threat of spent nuclear fuel gets more and more attention, the number of researches on the identification of spent nuclear fuel via database is increasing. Since there is no public spent nuclear fuel database that is proper for attribution, such kind of work is mainly on methodology study. This paper focuses on the use of database for the identification of spent nuclear fuel. A database is first constructed with numerical simulation results and is used to identify samples both from simulation and experimental measurements to study the availability and applicability. Then samples from real database are used to optimize the database constructed with simulation result to better meet the need of real nuclear forensics scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahang Su
- Center for Strategic Studies, China Academy of Engineering Physics, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Center for Strategic Studies, China Academy of Engineering Physics, China
| | - Side Hu
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, China
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16
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Jerome S, Bobin C, Cassette P, Dersch R, Galea R, Liu H, Honig A, Keightley J, Kossert K, Liang J, Marouli M, Michotte C, Pommé S, Röttger S, Williams R, Zhang M. Half-life determination and comparison of activity standards of 231Pa. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 155:108837. [PMID: 31655349 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The results of an international comparison of activity measurements of a solution of 231Pa are reported and analysed. Prior to this, no known standardisation of 231Pa by activity measurement had been carried out. The comparison was run in 2017-2018 involving eight laboratories, and returned results with no identifiable inconsistencies between methods or laboratories. The results, including one mass determination, gave a231Pa activity concentration of 41.461(48) kBq g-1 and a231Pa atom concentration of 61.48(23) × 1015 atoms g-1, from which a half-life value of 32 570(130) years was derived.
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17
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García-Toraño E, Crespo T, Marouli M, Jobbágy V, Pommé S, Ivanov P. Alpha-particle emission probabilities of 231Pa derived from first semiconductor spectrometric measurements. Appl Radiat Isot 2019; 154:108863. [PMID: 31513990 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The nuclide 231Pa is a member of the 235U decay chain. It is a complex alpha emitter with 25 identified alpha emissions. Formerly published alpha-particle emission probabilities were derived from measurements taken with magnetic spectrometers. This work presents the first measurements made with semiconductor detectors. High-resolution alpha-particle spectrometry was carried out at CIEMAT and JRC using ion-implanted planar silicon detectors. Alpha-particle emission probabilities of 23 transitions were derived from deconvolutions of the spectra. For the major lines, uncertainties are lower than 1%, a significant improvement to existing data. The new data set will allow a more accurate evaluation of the decay scheme of 231Pa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T Crespo
- Ciemat, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marouli
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
| | - V Jobbágy
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
| | - S Pommé
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
| | - P Ivanov
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, UK
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18
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Pommé S, Paepen J, Marouli M. Conversion electron spectroscopy of the 59.54 keV transition in 241Am alpha decay. Appl Radiat Isot 2019; 153:108848. [PMID: 31442878 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A windowless Peltier-cooled silicon drift detector (SDD) was used to measure internal conversion electron (ICE) spectra of thin 241Am sources. The ICE peaks associated with the 59.54 keV gamma transition in 237Np were deconvoluted and relative ICE intensities were derived from the fitted peak areas. Corrections were made for energy dependence of the full-energy-peak counting efficiency, based on Monte Carlo simulations. As expected for this anomalous E1 transition, a significant discrepancy was found with the theoretical internal conversion coefficient (ICC) values calculated from the BrIcc database. Penetration effects are known to cause such anomalies in highly retarded transitions. The measured ICE intensities are in good agreement with a specific combination of literature data obtained with magnetic spectrometers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pommé
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium.
| | - J Paepen
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
| | - M Marouli
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
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19
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Toole K, Roffey P, Young E, Cho K, Shaw T, Smith M, Blagojevic N. Evaluation of commercial forensic DNA extraction kits for decontamination and extraction of DNA from biological samples contaminated with radionuclides. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109867. [PMID: 31284202 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In preparing to respond to security incidents involving radioactive material, States should consider how they might address the unique challenge of analysing forensic evidence contaminated with these materials. In the case of DNA evidence, previous research has suggested that commercial forensic DNA extraction kits may be able to remove radioactive contamination from biological samples. If viable, this would allow the extraction and decontamination of biological samples to be undertaken in a laboratory equipped to handle radioactive material, with the subsequent quantification and profiling of extracted DNA performed in a conventional forensics laboratory. In order to inform the development of an operational capability, this study sought to expand upon previous work to provide a more comprehensive quantitative assessment of the efficacy of commercial DNA extraction kits for the removal of radionuclide contamination from biological samples and the quality of the resultant DNA profiles. Three commercial DNA extraction kits were tested for their ability to remove contaminating radionuclides. Two of these kits proved more effective at removing radionuclide contamination and produced DNA extracts of higher quality. Under all conditions tested in this study, decontamination efficiency was sufficient to allow the release of samples to a forensic laboratory. However, consistent with a prudent approach to radiation safety it is recommended that all samples be screened by gamma spectrometry prior to their release to a forensic laboratory in order to verify decontamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Toole
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia.
| | - Paul Roffey
- Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Emma Young
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Kaymann Cho
- Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Timothy Shaw
- Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Michael Smith
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Ned Blagojevic
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
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20
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Krachler M, Varga Z, Nicholl A, Mayer K. Analytical considerations in the determination of uranium isotope ratios in solid uranium materials using laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS. Anal Chim Acta X 2019; 2:100018. [PMID: 33117979 DOI: 10.1016/j.acax.2019.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Validated analytical measurement protocols for the fast and accurate determination of the uranium (U) isotopic composition (234U, 235U, 236U, 238U) of solid nuclear materials were developed employing ns-laser ablation (LA) coupled to multi-collector ICP-MS. The accuracy of the analytical procedure was assured by frequent (n = 65) analysis of a pressed pellet of certified isotopic reference material CRM U-030 (∼3 wt% 235U). The expanded uncertainty (k = 2) for the n(235U)/n(238U) ratio was as low as 0.05%, rising to 0.62% and 1.09% for n(234U)/n(238U) and n(236U)/n(238U) ratios, respectively. LA-MC-ICP-MS measurements of a pressed pellet of certified isotopic reference material CRM U-020 (∼2 wt% 235U) before analysis of each sample allowed calculation of the ion counter gains and mass bias correction. Both individual spot analysis and line scan analysis were used to measure n(234U)/n(238U), n(235U)/n(238U), and n(236U)/n(238U) ratios in two low-enriched UO2 pellets from the fourth Collaborative Materials Exercise (CMX-4), four seized low-enriched UO2 pellets intercepted from illicit trafficking and one metal sample consisting of depleted U. LA-MC-ICP-MS results of all investigated samples matched well with U isotope ratios obtained by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). This independent confirmation of the LA-MC-ICP-MS results by TIMS underpinned the high quality of generated analytical data. Acquisition of several thousand data points within a couple of minutes during line scan analysis yielded detailed information on the spatial distribution of the U isotopic composition of selected UO2 pellets, revealing straightforwardly their (in˗)homogeneity on the μm-scale. Calculating skewness and half width of the frequency distributions of the n(235U)/n(238U) amount ratio allowed the quantitative assessment of the (in-)homogeneity of the investigated samples. This information allows drawing conclusions on the starting materials used for the production of the pellets. From a nuclear forensics perspective, LA-MC-ICP-MS provides quick, accurate results on the spatial distribution of major and minor U isotopes while preserving the sample i.e. piece of evidence, essentially intact. Accurate analysis of major and minor abundant U isotopes in various solid U materials. LA-MC-ICP-MS results of homogenous samples confirmed by independent TIMS measurements. Spatially resolved minor U isotope ratios. Assessment of isotopic inhomogeneity of U materials using descriptive statistics.
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21
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Hoegg ED, Manard BT, Wylie EM, Mathew KJ, Ottenfeld CF, Marcus RK. Initial Benchmarking of the Liquid Sampling-Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge-Orbitrap System Against Traditional Atomic Mass Spectrometry Techniques for Nuclear Applications. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2019; 30:278-288. [PMID: 30291556 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-018-2071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The integration of the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) ion source with Orbitrap mass spectrometers has resulted in new opportunities in the field of isotope ratio mass spectrometry. In a field that has been dominated by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) on quadrupole and scanning-mode sector field analyzer platforms for highly accurate and precise measurements, the LS-APGD-Orbitrap system offers a benchtop instrument capable of meeting the rigorous International Target Values for measurement uncertainty for uranium (U). In order to benchmark the LS-APGD-Orbitrap, a series of U certified reference materials with increasing 235U isotopic composition were analyzed. By using U samples ranging in enrichment from 1 to 80%, the ability of the system to measure isotope ratios over a wide range is demonstrated. This analysis represents the first time that the LS-APGD-Orbitrap system has been used to analyze highly enriched U samples, allowing for the measurement of each of the U isotopes, including 234U and 236U-related species, which had not been achieved previously. Ultimately, the LS-APGD-Orbitrap system was able to measure CRM U-800 (assayed as 235U / 238U = 4.265622) as 4.266922, with a combined uncertainty, (uc), of 0.040%. These results are compared to those obtained using traditional elemental mass spectrometers including TIMS and ICP-MS-based instruments. The effectiveness of the LS-APGD-Orbitrap MS system for measuring U isotopes shows excellent promise in nuclear forensics, safeguards, and other nuclear weapon-based applications. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D Hoegg
- Department of Chemistry, Biosystems Research Complex, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Benjamin T Manard
- Chemistry Division - Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Nuclear Analytical Chemistry and Isotopics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - E Miller Wylie
- Chemistry Division - Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - K J Mathew
- Chemistry Division - Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Chelsea F Ottenfeld
- Chemistry Division - Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - R Kenneth Marcus
- Department of Chemistry, Biosystems Research Complex, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
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22
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Essex RM, Williams RW, Treinen KC, Collé R, Fitzgerald R, Galea R, Keightley J, LaRosa J, Laureano-Pérez L, Nour S, Pibida L. Preparation and calibration of a 231Pa reference material. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019; 322:10.1007/s10967-019-06711-6. [PMID: 32165777 PMCID: PMC7067278 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06711-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A 231Pa reference material has been characterized for amount of protactinium. This reference material is primarily intended for calibration of 233Pa tracers produced for 235U-231Pa model age measurements associated with nuclear forensics and nuclear safeguards. Primary measurements for characterization were made by isotope dilution mass spectrometry of a purified 231Pa solution using a 233Pa isotopic spike. The spike was calibrated by allowing multiple aliquots of the 233Pa spike solution to decay to 233U and then measuring the ingrown 233U by isotope dilution mass spectrometry using a certified uranium assay and isotopic standard as a reverse-spike. The new 231Pa reference material will simplify calibration of the 233Pa isotope dilution spikes, provide metrological traceability, and potentially reduce the overall measurement uncertainty of model ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M. Essex
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Ross W. Williams
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-231, Livermore, CA 94551-0808, USA
| | - Kerri C. Treinen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-231, Livermore, CA 94551-0808, USA
| | - Ronald Collé
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Ryan Fitzgerald
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Raphael Galea
- Ionizing Radiation Standards, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A0R6, Canada
| | - John Keightley
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Rd, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Jerome LaRosa
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Lizbeth Laureano-Pérez
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Svetlana Nour
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Leticia Pibida
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
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23
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Varga Z, Nicholl A, Hrnecek E, Wallenius M, Mayer K. Measurement of the 231Pa/ 235U ratio for the age determination of uranium materials. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018; 318:1565-71. [PMID: 30546184 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The paper describes the age (production date) determination of uranium reference materials using the 231Pa/235U ratio. Direct addition of 237Np in secular equilibrium with its 233Pa daughter was chosen instead of the regular milking of 237Np to avoid possible loss of Pa. Sample preparation consists of a fast, one-step procedure. The developed method using ICP-MS for the measurement of 231Pa is more precise than alpha spectrometry and is applicable for freshly produced low-enriched uranium materials. The measured ages are in good agreement with the reported production dates, thus the 231Pa/235U chronometer can be applied for validation of 230Th/234U in nuclear forensics and safeguards.
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24
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Robel M, Isselhardt B, Ramon E, Hayes A, Gaffney A, Borg L, Lindvall R, Erickson A, Carney K, Battisti T, Conant A, Ade B, Trellue H, Weber C. A composite position independent monitor of reactor fuel irradiation using Pu, Cs, and Ba isotope ratios. J Environ Radioact 2018; 195:9-19. [PMID: 30237079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
When post-irradiation materials from the nuclear fuel cycle are released to the environment, certain isotopes of actinides and fission products carry signatures of irradiation history that can potentially aid a nuclear forensic investigation into the material's provenance. In this study, combinations of Pu, Cs, and Ba isotope ratios that produce position (in the reactor core) independent monitors of irradiation history in spent light water reactor fuel are identified and explored. These position independent monitors (PIMs) are modeled for various irradiation scenarios using automated depletion codes as well as ordinary differential equation solutions to approximate nuclear physics models. Experimental validation was performed using irradiated low enriched uranium oxide fuel from a light water reactor, which was sampled at 8 axial positions from a single rod. Plutonium, barium and cesium were chemically separated and isotope ratio measurements of the separated solutions were made by quadrupole and multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (Cs and Pu, respectively) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (Ba). The effect of axial variations in neutron fluence and energy spectrum are evident in the measured isotope ratios. Two versions of a combined Pu and Cs based PIM are developed. A linear PIM model, which can be used to solve for irradiation time is found to work well for natural U fuel with <10% 240Pu and known or short cooling times. A non-linear PIM model, which cannot be solved explicitly for irradiation time without additional information, can nonetheless still group samples by irradiation history, including high burnup LEU fuel with unknown cooling time. 137Ba/138Ba is also observed to act as a position independent monitor; it is nearly single valued across the sampled fuel rod, indicating that samples sharing an irradiation history (same irradiation time and cooling time) in a reactor despite experiencing different neutron fluxes will have a common 137Ba/138Ba ratio. Modeling of this Ba PIM shows it increases monotonically with irradiation and cooling time, and a confirmatory first order analytical solution is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Robel
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue Livermore, CA, 94550, USA.
| | - Brett Isselhardt
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Erick Ramon
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Anna Hayes
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Amy Gaffney
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Lars Borg
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Rachel Lindvall
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Anna Erickson
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering 801 Ferst Drive Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, 30332-0405, USA
| | - Kevin Carney
- Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA
| | - Terry Battisti
- American Research Associates, 11 Village Club Ct, Pinehurst, NC, 28374, USA
| | - Andrew Conant
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering 801 Ferst Drive Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, 30332-0405, USA
| | - Brian Ade
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Holly Trellue
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Charles Weber
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
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25
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Mannion JM, Shick CR, Fugate GA, Powell BA, Husson SM. Anion-exchange polymer filament coating for ultra-trace isotopic analysis of plutonium by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Talanta 2018; 189:502-508. [PMID: 30086952 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A new sample loading procedure was developed for isotope measurements of ultra-trace amounts of Pu with thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) that is based on a polymer thin film architecture. The goals were to simplify single filament TIMS sample preparation for Pu, while preserving the sensitivity and accuracy of the resin bead loading method, and to eliminate sample losses experienced with the bead loading method. Rhenium filaments were degassed, dip-coated with a thin (~ 120 nm) hydrophobic base layer of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (PVBC), and spotted with an aqueous solution comprising triethylamine-quaternized PVBC and diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane crosslinker. This procedure formed a toroidal, hydrophilic anion-exchange polymer spot surrounded by the hydrophobic base polymer. The thin film-coated filaments were direct loaded with 10 pg of New Brunswick Laboratory certified reference material (NBL CRM) 128 from a 9 M HCl matrix. Aqueous sample droplets adhered to the anion-exchange polymer spot, facilitating sample loading. Toroidal spots with a thickness of 20-30 µm generated the highest sample utilization, surpassing the sample utilization of the standard bead loading method by 175%. Measured isotopic ratios were in good agreement with the certified value of the 239Pu/242Pu ratio for NBL CRM 128. The use of dimpled filaments further aided sample loading by providing a well-shaped substrate to deposit the sample droplet. No sample losses were experienced with the thin film loading method over 65 sample analyses. Finally, polymer coatings suppressed filament aging under atmospheric conditions, enabling the bulk production of filaments with adequate shelf life for future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Mannion
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, 127 Earle Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Charles R Shick
- Savannah River National Laboratory, National Security Directorate, Aiken, SC 29808, USA
| | - Glenn A Fugate
- Savannah River National Laboratory, National Security Directorate, Aiken, SC 29808, USA
| | - Brian A Powell
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, SC 29625, USA
| | - Scott M Husson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, 127 Earle Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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26
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Essex RM, Mann JL, Williams RW, Kinman WS, Hubert A, Bennett ME, Gourgiotis A. A new thorium-229 reference material. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 134:23-31. [PMID: 28784354 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A new reference material was characterized for 229Th molality and thorium isotope amount ratios. This reference material is intended for use in nuclear forensic analyses as an isotope dilution mass spectrometry spike. The reference material value and expanded uncertainty (k = 2) for the 229Th molality is (1.1498 ± 0.0016) × 10-10molg-1 solution. The value and expanded uncertainty (k = 2) for the n(230Th)/n(229Th) ratio is (5.18 ± 0.26) × 10-5 and the n(232Th)/n(229Th) ratio is (3.815 ± 0.092) × 10-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Essex
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Jaqueline L Mann
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Ross W Williams
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-231, Livermore, CA 94551-0808, USA
| | - William S Kinman
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Actinide Analytical Chemistry Division, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Amélie Hubert
- CEA/DAM-Ile de France, Bruyères-le-Châtel, 91297 Arpajon Cedex, France
| | - Megan E Bennett
- Argonne National Laboratory, Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, UMR CNRS 7154, F-75238 Paris, France
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27
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Parsons-Davis T, Knight K, Fitzgerald M, Stone G, Caldeira L, Ramon C, Kristo M. Application of modern autoradiography to nuclear forensic analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 286:223-32. [PMID: 29604471 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Modern autoradiography techniques based on phosphorimaging technology using image plates (IPs) and digital scanning can identify heterogeneities in activity distributions and reveal material properties, serving to inform subsequent analyses. Here, we have adopted these advantages for applications in nuclear forensics, the technical analysis of radioactive or nuclear materials found outside of legal control to provide data related to provenance, production history, and trafficking route for the materials. IP autoradiography is a relatively simple, non-destructive method for sample characterization that records an image reflecting the relative intensity of alpha and beta emissions from a two-dimensional surface. Such data are complementary to information gathered from radiochemical characterization via bulk counting techniques, and can guide the application of other spatially resolved techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). IP autoradiography can image large 2-dimenstional areas (up to 20×40cm), with relatively low detection limits for actinides and other radioactive nuclides, and sensitivity to a wide dynamic range (105) of activity density in a single image. Distributions of radioactivity in nuclear materials can be generated with a spatial resolution of approximately 50μm using IP autoradiography and digital scanning. While the finest grain silver halide films still provide the best possible resolution (down to ∼10μm), IP autoradiography has distinct practical advantages such as shorter exposure times, no chemical post-processing, reusability, rapid plate scanning, and automated image digitization. Sample preparation requirements are minimal, and the analytical method does not consume or alter the sample. These advantages make IP autoradiography ideal for routine screening of nuclear materials, and for the identification of areas of interest for subsequent micro-characterization methods. In this paper we present a summary of our setup, as modified for nuclear forensic sample analysis and related research, and provide examples of data from select samples from the nuclear fuel cycle and historical nuclear test debris.
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28
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McHugh KC, Widom E, Spitz HB, Wiles GC, Glover SE. Uranium mobility across annual growth rings in three deciduous tree species. J Environ Radioact 2018; 182:183-189. [PMID: 29150189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Black walnut (Juglans nigra), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), and white ash (Fraxinus americana) trees were evaluated as potential archives of past uranium (U) contamination. Like other metals, U mobility in annual growth rings of trees is dependent on the tree species. Uranium concentrations and isotopic compositions (masses 234, 235, 236, and 238) were analyzed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry to test the efficacy of using tree rings to retroactively monitor U pollution from the FFMPC, a U purification facility operating from 1951 to 1989. This study found non-natural U (depleted U and detectable 236U) in growth rings of all three tree species that pre-dated the start of operations at FFMPC and compositional trends that did not correspond with known contamination events. Therefore, the annual growth rings of these tree species cannot be used to reliably monitor the chronology of U contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C McHugh
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, 118 Shideler Hall, 250 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
| | - Elisabeth Widom
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, 118 Shideler Hall, 250 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Henry B Spitz
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 598 Rhodes Hall, P.O. Box 210072, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Gregory C Wiles
- Department of Geology, The College of Wooster, Scovel Hall, 944 College Mall, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Sam E Glover
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 598 Rhodes Hall, P.O. Box 210072, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
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29
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Rondahl SH, Pointurier F, Ahlinder L, Ramebäck H, Marie O, Ravat B, Delaunay F, Young E, Blagojevic N, Hester JR, Thorogood G, Nelwamondo AN, Ntsoane TP, Roberts SK, Holliday KS. Comparing results of X-ray diffraction, µ-Raman spectroscopy and neutron diffraction when identifying chemical phases in seized nuclear material, during a comparative nuclear forensics exercise. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018; 315:395-408. [PMID: 29497226 PMCID: PMC5820405 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This work presents the results for identification of chemical phases obtained by several laboratories as a part of an international nuclear forensic round-robin exercise. In this work powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) is regarded as the reference technique. Neutron diffraction produced a superior high-angle diffraction pattern relative to p-XRD. Requiring only small amounts of sample, µ-Raman spectroscopy was used for the first time in this context as a potentially complementary technique to p-XRD. The chemical phases were identified as pure UO2 in two materials, and as a mixture of UO2, U3O8 and an intermediate species U3O7 in the third material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabien Pointurier
- DAM, DIF, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), 91297 Arpajon, France
| | - Linnea Ahlinder
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ramebäck
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Olivier Marie
- DAM, DIF, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), 91297 Arpajon, France
| | - Brice Ravat
- French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA-Centre de Valduc, 21120 Is-Sur-Tille, France
| | - François Delaunay
- French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA-Centre de Valduc, 21120 Is-Sur-Tille, France
| | - Emma Young
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234 Australia
| | - Ned Blagojevic
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234 Australia
| | - James R. Hester
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234 Australia
| | - Gordon Thorogood
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234 Australia
| | - Aubrey N. Nelwamondo
- South Africa Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) Pelindaba, 582, Pretoria, 0001 Gauteng South Africa
| | - Tshepo P. Ntsoane
- South Africa Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) Pelindaba, 582, Pretoria, 0001 Gauteng South Africa
| | - Sarah K. Roberts
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA 94551 USA
| | - Kiel S. Holliday
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA 94551 USA
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30
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Lakosi L, Zsigrai J, Kocsonya A, Nguyen TC, Ramebäck H, Parsons-Moss T, Gharibyan N, Moody K. Gamma spectrometry in the ITWG CMX-4 exercise. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018; 315:409-416. [PMID: 29497227 PMCID: PMC5820385 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Low enriched uranium samples of unknown origin were analyzed by 16 laboratories in the context of a Collaborative Materials Exercise (CMX), organized by the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG). The purpose was to compare and prioritize nuclear forensic methods and techniques, and to evaluate attribution capabilities among participants. This paper gives a snapshot of the gamma spectrometric capabilities of the participating laboratories and summarizes the results achieved by gamma spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lakosi
- 1Nuclear Security Department, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly-Thege M., Budapest, 1121 Hungary
| | - J Zsigrai
- 2European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, P.O.Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - A Kocsonya
- 1Nuclear Security Department, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly-Thege M., Budapest, 1121 Hungary
| | - T C Nguyen
- 1Nuclear Security Department, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly-Thege M., Budapest, 1121 Hungary
| | - H Ramebäck
- 3Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden.,4Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 4, SE-412 58 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - T Parsons-Moss
- 5Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551 USA
| | - N Gharibyan
- 5Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551 USA
| | - K Moody
- 5Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551 USA
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31
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Abstract
A new nuclear forensic reference material has been characterized as a standard for radiochronometric determination of the model purification date for 137Cs sources. The purification date of a radioactive source is a potentially diagnostic nuclear forensic signature for determining the provenance of a radioactive material. Reference values have been measured for the attributes needed to use the 137Cs/137Ba chronometer: the molality (reported here as nmol g-1) of 137Cs and of the radiogenic portion of 137Ba in the material (hereafter referred to as 137Ba*). All measurement results were decay-corrected to represent the composition of the material on the reference date of July 7, 2011. The molality of 137Cs is (0.7915 ± 0.0073) nmol g-1; this value was calculated from the massic activity of 137Cs, (348.4 ± 3.0) kBq g-1, as measured in the NIST 4π-γ secondary standard ionization chamber (previously calibrated by 4π-(e+x)-γ-coincidence efficiency extrapolation counting) and the evaluated half-life of 137Cs, (30.05 ± 0.08) years. The molality of 137Ba*, (1.546 ± 0.024) nmol g-1, was measured by isotope dilution mass spectrometry using the measured relative proportion of 138Ba in the material to apply a correction for the 137Ba contribution from natural Ba. A model age of (47.04 ± 0.56) years, corresponding to a model purification date of June 22, 1964 with an expanded uncertainty of 200 days is calculated from the reference material values. This age is consistent with the date engraved on the capsule that contained the 137Cs starting material and with a prior independent determination of the model purification date. A full discussion of the uncertainties of the reference material values is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Lavelle
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., MS 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - Richard M Essex
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., MS 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - Kevin P Carney
- Idaho National Laboratory, PO Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-2805, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Cessna
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., MS 8462, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - Cole R Hexel
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6181, USA
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32
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Jerome SM, Collins SM, Happel S, Ivanov P, Russell BC. Isolation and purification of protactinium-231. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 134:18-22. [PMID: 28823475 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Protactinium-231 is one of the lesser known actinides, yet the measurement of this radionuclide is central to dating studies in both paleoclimate and nuclear forensics measurements; furthermore, it is important as the immediate parent nuclide of the 227Ac decay chain. In this paper, we present the preparatory work for an upcoming CCRI(II) supplementary comparison of this radionuclide. The material used in this work was of poorly known provenance, and it was necessary to carry out a chemical purification of this material prior to use. A new extraction chromatography resin, TK 400, which has been developed for the separation of 231Pa, was tested at NPL. The aims of the work were achieved; the recovery of 231Pa was ~85%, the decay products were recovered in good yield (~95%) and stable element impurities were removed.
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33
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Stratz SA, Jones SJ, Mullen AD, Mathuthu M, Oldham CJ, Auxier JD, Hall HL. Gas chemical adsorption characterization of lanthanide hexafluoroacetylacetonates. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017; 312:355-360. [PMID: 28458412 PMCID: PMC5387005 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5232-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Newly-established adsorption enthalpy and entropy values of 12 lanthanide hexafluoroacetylacetonates, denoted Ln[hfac]4, along with the experimental and theoretical methodology used to obtain these values, are presented for the first time. The results of this work can be used in conjunction with theoretical modeling techniques to optimize a large-scale gas-phase separation experiment using isothermal chromatography. The results to date indicate average adsorption enthalpy and entropy values of the 12 Ln[hfac]4 complexes ranging from −33 to −139 kJ/mol K and −299 to −557 J/mol, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Adam Stratz
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Steven J Jones
- Bredeson Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Austin D Mullen
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Manny Mathuthu
- Center for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST), North-West University (Mafikeng), Cnr Albert Luthuli Road & University Drive, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, 2735 South Africa.,Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Colton J Oldham
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - John D Auxier
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Howard L Hall
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.,Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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34
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Auxier JP, Auxier JD, Hall HL. Review of current nuclear fallout codes. J Environ Radioact 2017; 171:246-252. [PMID: 28340486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The importance of developing a robust nuclear forensics program to combat the illicit use of nuclear material that may be used as an improvised nuclear device is widely accepted. In order to decrease the threat to public safety and improve governmental response, government agencies have developed fallout-analysis codes to predict the fallout particle size, dose, and dispersion and dispersion following a detonation. This paper will review the different codes that have been developed for predicting fallout from both chemical and nuclear weapons. This will decrease the response time required for the government to respond to the event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrad P Auxier
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence (RCOE), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, United States.
| | - John D Auxier
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence (RCOE), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| | - Howard L Hall
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence (RCOE), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
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35
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Varga Z, Krajkó J, Peńkin M, Novák M, Eke Z, Wallenius M, Mayer K. Identification of uranium signatures relevant for nuclear safeguards and forensics. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017; 312:639-654. [PMID: 28596631 PMCID: PMC5446562 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The paper describes the applicability of different characteristics (signatures) in nuclear safeguards and forensics for assessment of uranium material provenance in terms of production process. The study follows a uranium ore concentrate production from an ore to a U3O8 product. It turned out that rare-earth elemental pattern, radiochronometry (age of ore body and material production date), sulphur and organic impurities are useful to find out the origin or history of the material, while certain trace-elements and isotopics of Pb or Sr were found to be inconclusive. The results will be important to understand the signatures in nuclear safeguards and forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Varga
- European Commission, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Joint Research Centre, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Judit Krajkó
- European Commission, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Joint Research Centre, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maxim Peńkin
- Department of Safeguards, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - Márton Novák
- Joint Research and Training Laboratory on Separation Techniques (EKOL), Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Eke
- Joint Research and Training Laboratory on Separation Techniques (EKOL), Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.,Wessling International Research and Educational Center, Fóti út 56, 1047 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Wallenius
- European Commission, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Joint Research Centre, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Klaus Mayer
- European Commission, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Joint Research Centre, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
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36
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Hodgson APJ, Jarvis KE, Grimes RW, Marsden OJ. Advances in the development of a dissolution method for the attribution of iridium source materials. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017; 311:1193-1199. [PMID: 28250545 PMCID: PMC5306264 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-5151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To assist in nuclear forensic investigations, new techniques are required to evaluate radioactive materials that may be discovered outside of regulatory control. Using a recently developed pressure digestion method for iridium powder, assessments have been made of this techniques suitability for undertaking iridium target material evaluations. In addition to determining the reaction conditions necessary for total dissolution, these investigations have provided an insight into the elemental impurities that are present within unirradiated iridium targets that are used in QSA Global radiography sources, and established the speciation of the iridium solutions that are formed during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P J Hodgson
- AWE plc, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR UK.,Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | - K E Jarvis
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 1NA UK
| | - R W Grimes
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | - O J Marsden
- AWE plc, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR UK
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37
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Shahbazi S, Stratz SA, Auxier JD, Hanson DE, Marsh ML, Hall HL. Characterization and thermogravimetric analysis of lanthanide hexafluoroacetylacetone chelates. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [PMID: 28111487 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-5005-0.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This work reports the thermodynamic characterizations of organometallic species as a vehicle for the rapid separation of volatile nuclear fission products via gas chromatography due to differences in adsorption enthalpy. Because adsorption and sublimation thermodynamics are linearly correlated, there is considerable motivation to determine sublimation enthalpies. A method of isothermal thermogravimetric analysis, TGA-MS and melting point analysis are employed on thirteen lanthanide 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone complexes to determine sublimation enthalpies. An empirical correlation is used to estimate adsorption enthalpies of lanthanide complexes on a quartz column from the sublimation data. Additionally, four chelates are characterized by SC-XRD, elemental analysis, FTIR and NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Shahbazi
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - S Adam Stratz
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - John D Auxier
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Ferris Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave. Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Daniel E Hanson
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Matthew L Marsh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Dr., Buehler Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Howard L Hall
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Ferris Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave. Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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38
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Doyle JL, Kuhn K, Byerly B, Colletti L, Fulwyler J, Garduno K, Keller R, Lujan E, Martinez A, Myers S, Porterfield D, Spencer K, Stanley F, Townsend L, Thomas M, Walker L, Xu N, Tandon L. Nuclear forensic analysis of a non-traditional actinide sample. Talanta 2016; 159:200-207. [PMID: 27474299 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear forensic publications, performance tests, and research and development efforts typically target the bulk global inventory of intentionally safeguarded materials, such as plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U). Other materials, such as neptunium (Np), pose a nuclear security risk as well. Trafficking leading to recovery of an interdicted Np sample is a realistic concern especially for materials originating in countries that reprocesses fuel. Using complementary forensic methods, potential signatures for an unknown Np oxide sample were investigated. Measurement results were assessed against published Np processes to present hypotheses as to the original intended use, method of production, and origin for this Np oxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Doyle
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States.
| | - Kevin Kuhn
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Benjamin Byerly
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Lisa Colletti
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - James Fulwyler
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Katherine Garduno
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Russell Keller
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Elmer Lujan
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Alexander Martinez
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Steve Myers
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Donivan Porterfield
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Khalil Spencer
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Floyd Stanley
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Lisa Townsend
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Mariam Thomas
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Laurie Walker
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Ning Xu
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Lav Tandon
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
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39
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Krajkó J, Varga Z, Wallenius M, Mayer K, Konings R. Investigation of sulphur isotope variation due to different processes applied during uranium ore concentrate production. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016; 309:1113-21. [PMID: 27594726 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4733-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The applicability and limitations of sulphur isotope ratio as a nuclear forensic signature have been studied. The typically applied leaching methods in uranium mining processes were simulated for five uranium ore samples and the n(34S)/n(32S) ratios were measured. The sulphur isotope ratio variation during uranium ore concentrate (UOC) production was also followed using two real-life sample sets obtained from industrial UOC production facilities. Once the major source of sulphur is revealed, its appropriate application for origin assessment can be established. Our results confirm the previous assumption that process reagents have a significant effect on the n(34S)/n(32S) ratio, thus the sulphur isotope ratio is in most cases a process-related signature.
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Shahbazi S, Stratz SA, Auxier JD, Hanson DE, Marsh ML, Hall HL. Characterization and thermogravimetric analysis of lanthanide hexafluoroacetylacetone chelates. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016; 311:617-626. [PMID: 28111487 PMCID: PMC5219043 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-5005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This work reports the thermodynamic characterizations of organometallic species as a vehicle for the rapid separation of volatile nuclear fission products via gas chromatography due to differences in adsorption enthalpy. Because adsorption and sublimation thermodynamics are linearly correlated, there is considerable motivation to determine sublimation enthalpies. A method of isothermal thermogravimetric analysis, TGA-MS and melting point analysis are employed on thirteen lanthanide 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone complexes to determine sublimation enthalpies. An empirical correlation is used to estimate adsorption enthalpies of lanthanide complexes on a quartz column from the sublimation data. Additionally, four chelates are characterized by SC-XRD, elemental analysis, FTIR and NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Shahbazi
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - S. Adam Stratz
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - John D. Auxier
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Ferris Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave. Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Daniel E. Hanson
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Matthew L. Marsh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Dr., Buehler Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Howard L. Hall
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, 301 Middle Dr., Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Ferris Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave. Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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41
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McNamara BK, O'Hara MJ, Casella AM, Carter JC, Addleman RS, MacFarlan PJ. Uniform deposition of uranium hexafluoride (UF6): Standardized mass deposits and controlled isotopic ratios using a thermal fluorination method. Talanta 2016; 154:219-27. [PMID: 27154668 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We report a convenient method for the generation of volatile uranium hexafluoride (UF6) from solid uranium oxides and other U compounds, followed by uniform deposition of low levels of UF6 onto sampling coupons. Under laminar flow conditions, UF6 is shown to interact with surfaces within a fixed reactor geometry to a highly predictable degree. We demonstrate the preparation of U deposits that range between approximately 0.01 and 500ngcm(-2). The data suggest the method can be extended to creating depositions at the sub-picogramcm(-2) level. The isotopic composition of the deposits can be customized by selection of the U source materials and we demonstrate a layering technique whereby two U solids, each with a different isotopic composition, are employed to form successive layers of UF6 on a surface. The result is an ultra-thin deposit that bears an isotopic signature that is a composite of the two U sources. The reported deposition method has direct application to the development of unique analytical standards for nuclear safeguards and forensics. Further, the method allows access to very low atomic or molecular coverages of surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K McNamara
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., PO Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, United States.
| | - Matthew J O'Hara
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., PO Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, United States
| | - Andrew M Casella
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., PO Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, United States
| | - Jennifer C Carter
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., PO Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, United States
| | - R Shane Addleman
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., PO Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, United States
| | - Paul J MacFarlan
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., PO Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, United States
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Stratz SA, Jones SA, Oldham CJ, Mullen AD, Jones AV, Auxier JD, Hall HL. Gas-phase detection of solid-state fission product complexes for post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016; 310:1273-1276. [PMID: 27909353 PMCID: PMC5110613 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study presents the first known detection of fission products commonly found in post-detonation nuclear debris samples using solid sample introduction and a uniquely coupled gas chromatography inductively-coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Rare earth oxides were chemically altered to incorporate a ligand that enhances the volatility of the samples. These samples were injected (as solids) into the aforementioned instrument and detected for the first time. Repeatable results indicate the validity of the methodology, and this capability, when refined, will prove to be a valuable asset for rapid post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Adam Stratz
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Steven A. Jones
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Bredeson Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Colton J. Oldham
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Austin D. Mullen
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Ashlyn V. Jones
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 552 Buehler Hall, 1420 Circle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - John D. Auxier
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Howard L. Hall
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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43
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Stanley FE, Byerly BL, Thomas MR, Spencer KJ. Static, Mixed-Array Total Evaporation for Improved Quantitation of Plutonium Minor Isotopes in Small Samples. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2016; 27:1136-1138. [PMID: 27032649 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-016-1380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Actinide isotope measurements are a critical signature capability in the modern nuclear forensics "toolbox", especially when interrogating anthropogenic constituents in real-world scenarios. Unfortunately, established methodologies, such as traditional total evaporation via thermal ionization mass spectrometry, struggle to confidently measure low abundance isotope ratios (<10(-6)) within already limited quantities of sample. Herein, we investigate the application of static, mixed array total evaporation techniques as a straightforward means of improving plutonium minor isotope measurements, which have been resistant to enhancement in recent years because of elevated radiologic concerns. Results are presented for small sample (~20 ng) applications involving a well-known plutonium isotope reference material, CRM-126a, and compared with traditional total evaporation methods. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- F E Stanley
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 30 Bikini Atoll Rd., Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
| | - Benjamin L Byerly
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 30 Bikini Atoll Rd., Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Mariam R Thomas
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 30 Bikini Atoll Rd., Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Khalil J Spencer
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 30 Bikini Atoll Rd., Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
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44
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Fongaro L, Ho DML, Kvaal K, Mayer K, Rondinella VV. Application of the angle measure technique as image texture analysis method for the identification of uranium ore concentrate samples: New perspective in nuclear forensics. Talanta 2016; 152:463-74. [PMID: 26992543 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The identification of interdicted nuclear or radioactive materials requires the application of dedicated techniques. In this work, a new approach for characterizing powder of uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) is presented. It is based on image texture analysis and multivariate data modelling. 26 different UOCs samples were evaluated applying the Angle Measure Technique (AMT) algorithm to extract textural features on samples images acquired at 250× and 1000× magnification by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). At both magnifications, this method proved effective to classify the different types of UOC powder based on the surface characteristics that depend on particle size, homogeneity, and graininess and are related to the composition and processes used in the production facilities. Using the outcome data from the application of the AMT algorithm, the total explained variance was higher than 90% with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), while partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) applied only on the 14 black colour UOCs powder samples, allowed their classification only on the basis of their surface texture features (sensitivity>0.6; specificity>0.6). This preliminary study shows that this method was able to distinguish samples with similar composition, but obtained from different facilities. The mean angle spectral data obtained by the image texture analysis using the AMT algorithm can be considered as a specific fingerprint or signature of UOCs and could be used for nuclear forensic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Fongaro
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Doris Mer Lin Ho
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany; DSO National Laboratories, 20 Science Park Drive, 118230 Singapore
| | - Knut Kvaal
- Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003 NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Klaus Mayer
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Vincenzo V Rondinella
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
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45
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Varga Z, Nicholl A, Wallenius M, Mayer K. Plutonium age dating (production date measurement) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016; 307:1919-1926. [PMID: 27003957 PMCID: PMC4779457 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4418-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes rapid methods for the determination of the production date (age dating) of plutonium (Pu) materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for nuclear forensic and safeguards purposes. One of the presented methods is a rapid, direct measurement without chemical separation using 235U/239Pu and 236U/240Pu chronometers. The other method comprises a straightforward extraction chromatographic separation, followed by ICP-MS measurement for the 234U/238Pu, 235U/239Pu, 236U/240Pu and 238U/242Pu chronometers. Age dating results of two plutonium certified reference materials (SRM 946 and 947, currently distributed as NBL CRM 136 and 137) are in good agreement with the archive purification dates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Varga
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Adrian Nicholl
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maria Wallenius
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Klaus Mayer
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
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46
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Skrodzki PJ, Becker JR, Diwakar PK, Harilal SS, Hassanein A. A Comparative Study of Single-pulse and Double-pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with Uranium-containing Samples. Appl Spectrosc 2016; 70:467-473. [PMID: 26810184 DOI: 10.1177/0003702815626670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) holds potential advantages in special nuclear material (SNM) sensing and nuclear forensics, which require rapid analysis, minimal sample preparation, and stand-off distance capability. SNM, such as U, however, result in crowded emission spectra with LIBS, and characteristic emission lines are challenging to discern. It is well-known that double-pulse LIBS (DPLIBS) improves the signal intensity for analytes over conventional single-pulse LIBS (SPLIBS). This study investigates the U signal in a glass matrix using DPLIBS and compares it to signal obtained using SPLIBS. Double-pulse LIBS involves sequential firing of a 1.06 µm Nd:YAG pre-pulse and 10.6 µm TEA CO2 heating pulse in a near collinear geometry. Optimization of experimental parameters including inter-pulse delay and energy follows identification of characteristic lines for the bulk analyte Ca and the minor constituent analyte U for both DPLIBS and SPLIBS. Spatial and temporal coupling of the two pulses in the proposed DPLIBS technique yields improvements in analytical merits with a negligible increase in damage to the sample compared to SPLIBS. Subsequently, the study discusses optimum plasma emission conditions of U lines and relative figures of merit in both SPLIBS and DPLIBS. Investigation into plasma characteristics also addresses plausible mechanisms related to the observed U analyte signal variation between SPLIBS and DPLIBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Skrodzki
- Center for Materials Under Extreme Environment (CMUXE), School of Nuclear Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Jason R Becker
- Center for Materials Under Extreme Environment (CMUXE), School of Nuclear Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Prasoon K Diwakar
- Center for Materials Under Extreme Environment (CMUXE), School of Nuclear Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
| | | | - Ahmed Hassanein
- Center for Materials Under Extreme Environment (CMUXE), School of Nuclear Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
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47
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Gharibyan N, Moody KJ, Tumey SJ, Brown TA, Despotopulos JD, Faye SA, Roberts KE, Shaughnessy DA. Production and separation of carrier-free ⁷Be. Appl Radiat Isot 2016; 107:199-202. [PMID: 26524406 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A high-purity carrier-free (7)Be was efficiently isolated following proton bombardment of a lithium hydroxide-aluminum target. The separation of beryllium from lithium and aluminum was achieved through a hydrochloric acid elution system utilizing cation exchange chromatography. The beryllium recovery, +99%, was assessed through gamma spectroscopy while the chemical purity was established by mass spectrometry. The decontamination factors of beryllium from lithium and aluminum were determined to be 6900 and 300, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gharibyan
- Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-236, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
| | - K J Moody
- Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-236, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - S J Tumey
- Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-397, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - T A Brown
- Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-397, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - J D Despotopulos
- Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-236, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - S A Faye
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - K E Roberts
- Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-236, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - D A Shaughnessy
- Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue L-236, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
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48
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Auxier JD 2nd, Jordan JA, Stratz SA, Shahbazi S, Hanson DE, Cressy D, Hall HL. Thermodynamic analysis of volatile organometallic fission products. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016; 307:1621-7. [PMID: 27003953 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The ability to perform rapid separations in a post nuclear weapon detonation scenario is an important aspect of national security. In the past, separations of fission products have been performed using solvent extraction, precipitation, etc. The focus of this work is to explore the feasibility of using thermochromatography, a technique largely employed in superheavy element chemistry, to expedite the separation of fission products from fuel components. A series of fission product complexes were synthesized and the thermodynamic parameters were measured using TGA/DSC methods. Once measured, these parameters were used to predict their retention times using thermochromatography.
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49
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Keatley AC, Scott TB, Davis S, Jones CP, Turner P. An investigation into heterogeneity in a single vein-type uranium ore deposit: Implications for nuclear forensics. J Environ Radioact 2015; 150:75-85. [PMID: 26301831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Minor element composition and rare earth element (REE) concentrations in nuclear materials are important as they are used within the field of nuclear forensics as an indicator of sample origin. However recent studies into uranium ores and uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) have shown significant elemental and isotopic heterogeneity from a single mine site such that some sites have shown higher variation within the mine site than that seen between multiple sites. The elemental composition of both uranium and gangue minerals within ore samples taken along a single mineral vein in South West England have been measured and reported here. The analysis of the samples was undertaken to determine the extent of the localised variation in key elements. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyse the gangue mineralogy and measure major element composition. Minor element composition and rare earth element (REE) concentrations were measured by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). The results confirm that a number of key elements, REE concentrations and patterns used for origin location do show significant variation within mine. Furthermore significant variation is also visible on a meter scale. In addition three separate uranium phases were identified within the vein which indicates multiple uranium mineralisation events. In light of these localised elemental variations it is recommended that representative sampling for an area is undertaken prior to establishing the REE pattern that may be used to identify the originating mine for an unknown ore sample and prior to investigating impact of ore processing on any arising REE patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Keatley
- Interface Analysis Centre, H. H Wills Physics Laboratory, Tyndalls Road, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK; Bristol-Oxford Nuclear Research Centre, UK.
| | - T B Scott
- Interface Analysis Centre, H. H Wills Physics Laboratory, Tyndalls Road, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK; Bristol-Oxford Nuclear Research Centre, UK.
| | - S Davis
- AWE, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR, UK.
| | - C P Jones
- Interface Analysis Centre, H. H Wills Physics Laboratory, Tyndalls Road, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK; Bristol-Oxford Nuclear Research Centre, UK.
| | - P Turner
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK; Bristol-Oxford Nuclear Research Centre, UK.
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50
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Krajko J, Varga Z, Wallenius M, Mayer K. Development of a versatile sample preparation method and its application for rare-earth pattern and Nd isotope ratio analysis in nuclear forensics. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [PMID: 26224986 PMCID: PMC4514581 DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An improved sample preparation procedure for trace-levels of lanthanides in uranium-bearing samples was developed. The method involves a simple co-precipitation using Fe(III) carrier in ammonium carbonate medium to remove the uranium matrix. The procedure is an effective initial pre-concentration step for the subsequent extraction chromatographic separations. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the measurement of REE pattern and 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio in uranium ore concentrate samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Krajko
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft, Netherlands
| | - Z. Varga
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - M. Wallenius
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - K. Mayer
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, Postfach 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
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