Semi-Automatic Separation Unit for Actinides at JRC-ITU and IAEA

High accuracy is required for analysis of nuclear safeguards and forensic samples. The best precision can be obtained by use of the Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry method. Separation of actinides is performed on chromatographic columns as sample preparation step for mass spectrometry measurements. The chromatographic separation is a time consuming process which, if performed manually, necessitates the constant presence of an operator. A semi - Automatic Separation Unit (ASU) was developed by JRC-ITU in collaboration with the IAEA as an alternative to manual separations under the EC support task to the IEA EC A-1391. It is already in use in the JRC-ITU and in cold testing for the LSS, La Hague and at SAL, IAEA. A fourth unit will be produced for the OSL Sellafield. The main features of ASU are its modular construction for simple replacement of components, minimum need for operator intervention, a light structure from materials resistant to acid environment and a remote control function over a LabView based software. A detailed report of the experience with ASU in JRC-ITU laboratories is presented.

BUDA Razvan;  DE VRY BALSLEY Steven;  EMBLICO Lorenza;  SCHACHINGER Andreas;  ZULEGER Evelyn; 

2016-01-21

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC95140

978-92-79-49495-6,   

1831-9424 (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC95140,   

10.2789/099293,