Determination of isotopic composition and concentration of uranium, plutonium and neodymium by mass-spectrometric isotope dilution in the irradiated fuel of the Czechoslovak atomic power station A-1

Abstract

Determination of the isotopic composition and concentration of uranium, plutonium and neodymium by mass-spectrometric isotope dilution is described. Isotopes233U,242Pu and150Nd were used as spikes. Isotopic composition was measured with a Varian-TH 5 mass spectrometer. Optimum amounts loaded onto the filament were 2–5 μg U, ∼0.1 μg Pu and <0.1 μg Nd. The accuracy and reproducibility of the isotopic ratio and concentration measurements were evaluated.