Rapid method to determine 89/90Sr in steel samples

Abstract

The rapid measurement of 89/90 Sr in steel samples is important in the event of a radiological emergency as well as for the characterization of routine nuclear decommissioning samples. A new method for the determination of radiostrontium in steel samples has been developed at the Savannah River Environmental Laboratory. The new method employs a rugged acid digestion that includes hydrofluoric acid, followed by a single preconcentration step to rapidly collect the radiostrontium and remove nearly all of the high iron content. A fusion step can be implemented after the steel dissolution when soil, concrete, or highly refractory particles are present. The 89 Sr + 90 Sr and/or 90 Y are separated using extraction chromatographic resins and measured radiometrically, either by gas flow proportional counting or liquid scintillation counting. Several approaches for the measurement of 89 Sr + 90 Sr, 90 Sr, and discrimination between 89 Sr and 90 Sr are discussed. This approach has a sample preparation time for steel samples of 6-8 hours.

Rapid method to determine 226Ra in steel samples

“…The defensibility of results is very important to maintain public trust. [9] The application of rapid, streamlined radiochemical techniques to environmental and decommissioning samples can reduce labor costs and facilitate improved analytical efficiencies. Furthermore, reliable, high quality analyses are essential, not only following a radiological emergency, but also for routine laboratory analyses.…”