Determination of rare earth impurities in high purity uranium by isotope dilution analysis

Abstract

An isotope dilution method for the determination of rare earth impurities in uranium has been developed and Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd have been determined in uranium oxide samples. The method involves isotopic dilution with enriched isotopes of the rare earths being measured, followed by the separation of rare earths from uranium. A mass spectrometer with thermionic source was used to determine the relative isotopic abundances in each of these rare earths. All these five elements were analysed selectively by preferential evaporation technique. Trace concentrations down to parts per billion range can be measured with good sensitivity and accuracy.