Elemental composition in sealed plutonium–beryllium neutron sources. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, N.; Kuhn, K.; Gallimore, D.; Martinez, A.; Schappert, M.; Montoya, D.; Lujan, E.; Garduno, K.; Tandon, L.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 95(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Sealed PuBe neutron source -- ICP-MS -- ICP-AES -- Plutonium assay -- Beryllium assay -- Trace elements; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.10.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Five sealed plutonium–beryllium (PuBe) neutron sources from various manufacturers were disassembled. Destructive chemical analyses for recovered PuBe materials were conducted for disposition purposes. A dissolution method for PuBe alloys was developed for quantitative plutonium (Pu) and beryllium (Be) assay. Quantitation of Be and trace elements was performed using plasma based spectroscopic instruments, namely inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Pu assay was accomplished by an electrochemical method. Variations in trace elemental contents among the five PuBe sources are discussed. Highlights: A destructive chemical analysis of the PuBe neutron sources includes the solubilization and digestion of the PuBe alloy material. Plutonium was assayed by an electrochemical method. Beryllium assay and trace elemental contents were determined by ICP instruments. A large variation in trace elemental composition was observed among the five PuBe source materials.