High-Precision Assay of Uranium and Plutonium by Glovebox-Enclosed Automated Titration Systems

摘要

There is a requirement for the accurate and precise determination of uranium and plutonium to be carried out on a wide range of metal, alloy, oxide and other actinide containing material. Specifications can demand that the total random error, i.e., precision, associated with the measurement technique must be less than 0.05w/o relative. Also, the systematic error, i.e., bias or inaccuracy, of the technique must be insignificant when compared with the random error. There is an additional requirement for the capability to process relatively large numbers of samples that necessitate the use of automated techniques. To meet these requirements, the Actinides Analysis section at AWE Aldermaston has successfully installed proprietary autotitration systems into glovebox environments. Titration methods have been developed and validated for use on these instruments, which allow the high-precision assay of U and Pu materials.