Work Item
ASTM WK44874
New Test Method for The Ion Exchange Separation of Small Volume Samples Containing Uranium, Americium and Plutonium Prior to Isotopic and Content Analysis
1. Scope
1.1This practice is an alternative method to ASTM C 1411 for the ion exchange separation in small mass samples (~ 5 g of Plutonium and up to 0.5 mg of Uranium in 1 ml of solution) of uranium and plutonium from each other and from other impurities for subsequent isotopic analysis by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). In addition to being adapted to smaller sample sizes, this practice also avoids the use of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric (HF) and does not require the use of two anion exchange columns as required in C1411. For TIMS analysis of plutonium and uranium isotopic abundance, plutonium238 and uranium238, and plutonium241 and americium241, will appear as the same mass peak and must be chemically separated prior to analysis. Only high purity solutions can be analyzed reliably using thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Concentrations and volumes given in the paragraphs below can be modified for larger sample sizes, different types of anion exchange resin, etc.
Keywords
nuclear fuel cycle, analytical chemistry,
Rationale
This proposed standard offers an alternative to the ASTM C1411 standard. The proposed standard uses smaller volumes, only one resin column, and HCl and HF are not required.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 01-27-2014
Technical Contact: Ben Karmiol
Item: 001
Ballot: C26.05 (14-03)
Status: Negative Votes Need Resolution
Item: 014
Ballot: C26 (15-01)
Status: Ballot Item Approved