Year
1998
Abstract
X-ray and low-energy gamma-ray spectroscopy has been investigated as a technique to determine the concentrations of actinides within reprocessing streams produced at the NUCEF advanced reprocessing experimental research facility. The main actinides for which assay is required are U, Pu, Np and Am; with knowledge of these actinide concentrations it will be possible to i.) evaluate the distribution of actinides throughout the reprocessing facility ii.) verify the simulated actinide distribution from chemical kinetic simulations and iii.) ensure safety and control over migrant radioactive species. The research presented here shows that passive measurements of x-rays and low-energy gamma-rays from solution samples provides an accurate and non-destructive means for assaying the concentration.