Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Uranium and Plutonium in Wet Scrap Process Solutions

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Uranium and Plutonium in Wet Scrap Process Solutions Uranium and plutonium solutions representative of those expected from the scrap recovery processes of fast breeder reactor fuel manufacturing operations have been analyzed "at-line" by the technique of x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Nitrate solutions containing from 0.1 to several hundred grams heavy metal per liter were measured, with emphasis on process control measurements of high concentration solutions. XRF system response to concentration, Pu/Pu+U, acid molarlty, and to two plutonium isotopics is discussed. Results have indicated that analytical precision of better than 1% is achievable for 10 minute analyses of solutions in the 100-450 gm/£ range. The detection limit was found to be 0.1 gm/& , while at concentrations above 100 gm/£ , sample self attenuation is the most significant factor affecting analytical precision.