Amy S. Wong

Chemical analysis of Plutonium-238 for space applications

In this paper, an overview of chemical analysis capabilities that support 238Pu programs for space applications and the progress of establishing these capabilities at the Los Alamos Plutonium Facility will be discussed. These chemical and in-line analysis capabilities include (1) UV-visible spectrometry for Pu Assay, (2) nuclear detection systems (integrated gamma-ray and alpha spectrometry, and gas proportional counter) for radiochemical analysis, (3) direct-current are (DC Arc) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace analysis, (4) plutonium process monitoring (PPM) system for ion-exchange operations, and (5) solution in-line alpha counter (SILAC) for gross alpha determination of aqueous solutions.

Radiometric measurements on non-destructive assay standards fabrication for WIPP Performance Demonstration Program

The Inorganic Elemental Analysis Group of LANL has prepared several different sets of working reference materials (WRMs). These WRMs are prepared by blending quantities of nuclear materials (plutonium, americium, and enriched uranium) with diatomaceous earth. The blends are encapsulated in stainless steel cylinders. These WRMs are being measured as blind controls in neutron and gamma based non-destructive assay (NDA) instruments. Radiometric measurements on the blending homogeneity and verification on a set of sixty-three plutonium based WRMs are discussed in this paper.

Preparation of high purity plutonium oxide standards for radiochemical Analysis

Abstract Due to the lack of suitable high level plutonium solution standards from a national accredited laboratory or commercial vendors, a well-characterized plutonium oxide was used to prepared radiochemistry instrument calibration standards and working standards at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). All the dilution and aliquoting steps were performed gravimetrically. The counting efficiency of a liquid scintillation counter obtained from the alpha activity of this plutonium oxide was compared to a commercial 241 Am standardized solution. The results agreed to within 0.05%. The aliquots of the plutonium standard solutions and dilutions were then sealed in glass ampules for long term storage.

Progammatic mission transformation - chemistry and metallurgy research replacement (CMRR) project

Nuclear posture and policy objectives are: (1) Preventing nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism; (2) Reducing the role of nuclear weapons in US national security strategy; (3) Maintaining strategic deterrence and stability at reduced nuclear force levels; (4) Strengthening regional deterrence and reassuring US allies and partners; and (5) Sustaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear arsenal.

238Pu recovery and salt disposition from the molten salt oxidation process

We have begun designing and optimizing our recovery and recycling processes by experimenting with samples of “spent salt” produced by MSO treatment of surrogate waste in the reaction vessel at the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Indian Head. One salt was produced by treating surrogate waste containing pyrolysis ash spiked with cerium. The other salt contains residues from MSO treatment of materials similar to those used in 238Pu processing, e.g., Tygon tubing, PVC bagout bags, HDPE bottles. Using these two salt samples, we will present results from our investigations.

Production and radiometric measurements of the large particle plutonium oxide non-destructive assay standards

The Analytical Chemistry Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has produced several sets of working reference materials (WRMs) for the National TRU Waste Program (NTWP) NDA PDP(Non-Destructive Assay Performance Demonstration Program). This paper describes the first example of production of traceable, certified standards containing plutonium oxide in large particle form for the DOE complex. Discussion of the production and radiometric measurements of these NDA standards is included herein.

Anlysis capabilities for plutonium-238 programs

In this presentation, an overview of analysis capabilities that support 238Pu programs will be discussed. These capabilities include neutron emission rate and calorimetric measurements, metallography/ceramography, ultrasonic examination, particle size determination, and chemical analyses. The data obtained from these measurements provide baseline parameters for fuel clad impact testing, fuel processing, product certifications, and waste disposal. Also several in-line analyses capabilities will be utilized for process control in the full-scale 238Pu Aqueous Scrap Recovery line in FY01.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Working Reference Material Production Pla

This Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Working Reference Material Production Plan was written for LLNL by the Los Alamos National Laboratory to address key elements of producing seven Pu-diatomaceous earth NDA Working Reference Materials (WRMS). These WRMS contain low burnup Pu ranging in mass from 0.1 grams to 68 grams. The composite Pu mass of the seven WRMS was designed to approximate the maximum TRU allowable loading of 200 grams Pu. This document serves two purposes: first, it defines all the operations required to meet the LLNL Statement of Work quality objectives, and second, it provides a record of the production and certification of the WRMS. Guidance provided in ASTM Standard Guide C1128-89 was used to ensure that this Plan addressed all the required elements for producing and certifying Working Reference Materials. The Production Plan was written to provide a general description of the processes, steps, files, quality control, and certification measures that were taken to produce the WRMS. The Plan identifies the files where detailed procedures, data, quality control, and certification documentation and forms are retained. The Production Plan is organized into three parts: a) an initial section describing the preparation and characterization of the Pu02 and diatomaceous earth materials, b) middle sections describing the loading, encapsulation, and measurement on the encapsulated WRMS, and c) final sections describing the calculations of the Pu, Am, and alpha activity for the WRMS and the uncertainties associated with these quantities.