Strengthening environmental sampling analysis in the ROK through DOE/MOST collaboration: Initial results of uranium round-robin tests

Year
2004
Author(s)
Joel A. Carter - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J. Michael Whitaker - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Susan M. Hayes - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Khris B. Olsen - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Jang Soo Shin - Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
L.R. Riciputi - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Abstract
In 2003, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) with assistance from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) began a program to evaluate and develop environmental sampling for nuclear safeguards with laboratories in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Plans include development and evaluation of all stages of the analytical process (sample preparation, analytical chemistry and separations, and mass spectrometry) required to carry out isotope ratio and concentration analysis for uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) in samples taken under safeguards environmental monitoring programs. An initial set of dried uranium-containing solutions were distributed to the participating laboratories in November of 2003, with results reported in April of 2004. The results of these exercises are discussed in this paper.