A fast energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)
method requiring only microgram amounts of analytes, i.e.
uranium (U) and thorium (Th), in their mixtures in solution form
is described. Calibration solutions and samples covering the
fuel composition range (0–5%of U in U+Th) of advanced heavy
water reactor (AHWR) were prepared by mixing uranium and thorium
solutions. A known fixed amount of internal standard yttrium (Y)
was added to these solutions. EDXRF spectra of calibration
solutions and samples were measured by taking 20 μl aliquots on
30mmdiameter filter papers, after drying, using a Rh target tube
operated at 40 kV and 500 μA. Calibration plots were made by
plotting U/Y, U/Th and Th/Y amount ratios against the respective
intensity ratios of Th Lα, U Lα and Y Kα. In the first set, U
was determined using Y as an internal standard, and for Th
determination, U, thus determined, was used as an internal
standard since the amounts of Th and Y were kept constant in the
calibration solutions and samples. In the second set, both U and
Th were varied and determined using Y as internal standard. The
results of U and Th determinations showed a precision of about
3% (1s) and the results deviated from the expected values by <
3% in most of the cases. This approach has an advantage that it
requires only microgram amounts of sample, thus mitigating
radiation hazards associated with radioactive samples as well as
the amount of radioactive analytical waste generated is quite
less.
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