Tracer Techniques for the Input Accountability of Plutonium in Reprocessing Plants: Magtrap and Leadtrap

Thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) in nuclear science and technology – a review

“…A novel approach using a suitable tracer was developed and tried by several researchers. [82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100] This involves the addition of a known amount of tracer element to the input accountability tank, suitable homogenisation and mixing of the tracer with the solution in the tank and taking any unknown aliquot from the solution. By determining tracer to Pu and tracer to U amount ratios by ID-TIMS, and knowing accurately the amount of tracer added, the total amount of Pu and U in the tank can be determined.…”

“…in the MAGTRAP (Magnesium Tracer for input Accountability of Pu) and LEADTRAP (Lead Tracer for input Accountability of Plutonium), during studies carried out by us at Tarapur. 84,85 Subsequently, the European Community tried different tracers (Nd, Lu and Pb) in RITCEX (Reprocessing Input Tank Calibration Exercise) at Eurochemie Reprocessing Plant with different tracers yielding similar results. [89][90][91]95 Another exercise CALDEX (Calibration Demonstration Exercise) was also taken up in the framework of European collaboration and evaluation of the tracers methodology.…”