Year
2011
Abstract
An inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer system (ICP-MS, SpectroMS, Spectro Analytical Instruments, GmbH) utilizing a large-array detector is being tested for analysis of uranium samples. This unique mass spectrometer system, which is a Mattauch-Hertzog configuration mass analyzer fitted with a large-array complementary metal–oxide– semiconductor (CMOS), allows for multi-ion collection and simultaneous detection of all isotopes. At the Y-12 National Security Complex, this instrument has been configured to analyze both dissolved solids using standard ICP nebulization techniques (traditional Mienhard®-type and HF-resistant APEX® with membrane desolvation) and uranium-containing solids by laserablation techniques. The simultaneous full mass range detection capability of the mass spectrometer allows for the testing and evaluation of the instrument to include both isotopic and elemental impurity characterization. This presentation discusses the uncertainties associated with: (i) the isotopic characterization of uranium, (ii) isotopic characterization of trace-level impurities in uranium, (iii) quantifying elemental impurities in uranium metal and oxide compounds, and; (iv) the detection limits for elemental impurities and isotopic characterization. The operation of the ICPMS system associated with laser-ablation and liquid nebulization introduction systems will be compared for various instrumental configurations.