Year
2000
Abstract
Recent action by the IAEA Board of Governors has opened a route for the oversight of neptunium and, indirectly, americium in nuclear facilities. Part of this new regime involves measurements of neptunium and americium concentrations in a variety of process streams in reprocessing facilities. Fortunately, a large body of practical information exists on destructive assay techniques that can be applied immediately. In addition, there are a number of promising techniques that require further development. This paper will address such topics as the use of TEVA/TRU-Spec ion exchange resins for sample preparation; the role of analysis techniques such as coulometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), and alpha spectrometry; and issues with standards.