Presentation of differential laser-induced fluorimetry as a reference measurement procedure for determination of total uranium content in ores and similar matrices

Abstract

The metrological principle of ‘differential technique in laser-induced fluorimetry’ analysis is discussed and recommended as a reference measurement procedure for determination of total uranium content in ores and similar matrices. The estimated relative expanded uncertainty values obtained for uranium content in standard IAEA samples are, S 1, 0.04 g/kg, S 2, 0.06 g/kg, S 3, 0.04 g/kg, and for S 4, 0.10 g/kg, respectively. These low uncertainty values obtained for uranium show high metrological quality of differential technique. This reference measurement procedure guarantees the quality of an analytical result (accuracy, high precision, reliability, comparability, and traceability). Laser-induced fluorimetry will be useful for the analysis of uranium in ores, certification of reference materials, borehole core assay, and other diverse applications in nuclear fuel cycle. Differential technique in spectrophotometry/laser fluorimetry has inherent high metrological quality. In principle, laser-induced fluorimetry is an ideal technique for the very accurate determination of uranium by the use of appropriate fluorescence-enhancing reagents and methodology depending upon the concentration of uranium and sample matrices.