A METHOD OF ANALYZING X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTRA OF URANIUM SCRAP FOR SNM CONTROL MEASUREMENT PURPOSES

Year
1975
Author(s)
R. W. Brandenburg - ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY
A.L. Harkness - Argonne National Laboratory
Abstract
A linear regression method is described for resolving the x-ray fluorescence spectra of the scrap (i.e., dross), produced during a uranium alloying process, into the spectra of its components. This dross contains mainly uranium and zirconium and is very difficult to analyze using normal chemical procedures. A plot of the calculated spectra ratios versus the actual weight ratios for several prepared standards provides a calibration curve for obtaining quantitative analyses for uranium accountability purposes.