Microextraction-TQ-ICP-MS for the Direct Analysis of U and Pu from Cotton Swipes.

The microextraction sampling technique was integrated with triple quadrupole─inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (TQ-ICP-MS) to directly sample and measure the isotopic compositions of uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) from cotton swipes. Once extracted, the U/Pu were directed into the TQ-ICP-MS instrument for isotopic determination. Carbon dioxide (CO) and helium (He) gases were delivered to a collision reaction cell within the ICP-MS system for ion separation.

Analysis of solid uranium particulates on cotton swipes with an automated microextraction-ICP-MS system.

An automated microextraction method coupled to an inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was developed for the direct analysis of solid uranium particulates on the surface of cotton swipes. The microextraction probe extracts particulates from the sample surface, in a flowing solvent, and directs the removed analyte to an ICP-MS for isotopic determination. The automated system utilizes a mechanical XY stage that is software controlled with the capability of saving and returning to specific locations and a camera focused to the swipe surface for optimal viewing of the extracted locations (, material present).

Direct isotopic analysis of solid uranium particulates on cotton swipes by microextraction-ICP-MS.

Direct isotope ratio analysis of solid uranium particulates on cotton swipes was achieved using a solution-based microextraction technique, coupled to a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This microextraction-ICP-MS methodology provides rapid isotopic analysis which could be applicable to nuclear safeguards measurements. Particulates of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate (UO(NO)·6HO) and uranyl fluoride (UOF) ranging from 6 μm to 40 μm in length were transferred to cotton swipes with a particle manipulator.

Direct Uranium Isotopic Analysis of Swipe Surfaces by Microextraction-ICP-MS.

The ability to directly measure uranium isotope ratios on environmental swipes has been achieved through a solution-based microextraction process and represents a significant advancement toward the development of a rapid method to analyze international nuclear safeguard samples. Here, a microextraction probe is lowered and sealed onto the swipe surface, and analytes within the sampling site (∼8 mm) are dissolved and extracted into a flowing solvent of 2% nitric acid (HNO). The mobilized species are subsequently directed into an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for accurate and precise isotope ratio determination.

Determination of phosphorus and sulfur in uranium ore concentrates by triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The analysis of impurities in a uranium ore concentrate (UOC) could provide information regarding the source, production history, and potential intended use of the UOC. This study involves the analysis of UOC samples for phosphorus and sulfur. Concentrations were determined by triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry and compared with results from a pyrohydrolysis method as well as previously reported results.

Trace Elemental Analysis of Bulk Thorium Using an Automated Separation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy Methodology.

Presented here is a novel automated method for determining the trace element composition of bulk thorium by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). ICP-OES is a universal approach for measuring the trace elemental impurities present in actinide-rich materials; however, due to the emission rich spectrum of the actinide, a separation from the trace elements is warranted for spectrochemical analysis. Here, AG MP-1 ion exchange resin was utilized for retention of the Th matrix, while allowing the trace element impurities to be separated prior to subsequent analysis using ICP-OES.

Optimization of uranium and plutonium separations using TEVA and UTEVA cartridges for MC-ICP-MS analysis of environmental swipe samples.

The analysis of environmental swipe samples for ultra-trace uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) determinations is essential in the nuclear safeguards community. While mass spectrometry techniques for U and Pu detection continually improve, established separation methods are seldom reevaluated. Currently, actinide separations within the forensics community predominantly employ either Eichrom TEVA® or UTEVA® resins.

Evaluation and Specifications for In-Line Uranium Separations Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) Detection for Trace Elemental Analysis.

Automated introduction platforms integrated with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) systems are continuously being improved. Expanding on the introduction systems, a newly developed automated ion chromatography system was explored for performing rapid in-line separations coupled to ICP-OES for the detection of trace elements in uranium. Trace elements are separated from a uranium material and the analytes are directed into the ICP-OES for subsequent detection.

Automated Separation of Uranium and Plutonium from Environmental Swipe Samples for Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

A fully automated method for the separation of low-concentration uranium from plutonium in environmental swipe samples has been developed. The offline chromatography system features renewable 1 mL Eichrom TEVA and UTEVA column generation from bulk resin slurry. Discrete fractions of the separated actinides are delivered into user defined vials for future analysis.