Preparation and Certification of IRMM 1027n, Large-Sized Dried (LSD) Spike

Abstract

Large sized dried spikes (LSD) have become a fundamental part of the fissile material control of irradiated nuclear fuel. In the frame of providing these spikes to the nuclear industry, a new set of LSD Spikes for the determination of uranium and plutonium by isotope dilution mass spectrometry in solutions of spent fuel from reprocessing plants has been prepared and certified for uranium and plutonium isotopic contents. The methodology followed was comparable to that of previous batches. The solution, made by dissolution of the starting materials in nitric acid, was dispensed directly into individual penicillin vials. As in previous campaign an automated system was introduced to dispense and weigh the vials. The new batch of large size dried spikes contains ca. 50 mg of uranium (235U abundance = 19.5%) and ca. 1.8 mg of plutonium (239Pu abundance = 97.8%) in each individual vial, covered with a light layer of organic material (cellulose acetate butyrate) as stabilizer. The U and Pu amount content was certified based on values from mass metrology of the validated automated system. Verification of the amount contents of the spike was done by IDMS at IRMM. The values measured for the dried covered spikes agreed well with those calculated from the weights of starting materials dissolved and the weights of the final solution. How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details by sending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. L A -N A -2 4 1 1 9 -E N -C