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Determination of uranium in thorium matrixes by epithermal neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

Uranium in thorium matrixes or in minerals and ores containing thorium is determined by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA). In some minerals and ores, such as monazite sands, the analysis can be carried out by purely instrumental means with no chemical separation of uranium or thorium from the irradiated matrix. For thorium compound matrixes with very low uranium contents, a rapid radiochemical separation method, based on the retention of uranyl ion on anion-exchange resins, is first carried out, before counting the gamma-ray peaks for239U in multichannel analysers coupled to NaI(Tl) scintillators or to Ge(Li) detectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Energia Atômica, C. P. 11049, São Paulo, SP, (Brazil)

    L. T. Atalla & F. W. Lima

Authors
  1. L. T. Atalla
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  2. F. W. Lima
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From a thesis submitted by L. T. Atalla to the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, in partial fulfillment for the degree of Doctor of Science.

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Atalla, L.T., Lima, F.W. Determination of uranium in thorium matrixes by epithermal neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Chem. 20, 607–618 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02514306

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02514306

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