Summary
Traceable non-destructive assay standards containing mixtures of well characterized americium and plutonium oxides were prepared by blending weighed quantities with a diatomaceous earth matrix and encapsulating in welded zirconium cylinders. Am and Pu retained in fabrication process materials (e.g., emptied blend bottles), termed holdup, was quantified by gamma-spectroscopy in order to accurately state the total nuclear material content of the standards. The observed holdup data indicate that the common assumption that Am and Pu holdup behavior is similar does not hold up well in the case of mixed oxides.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mecklenburg, S., Becker, G. Radiometric holdup measurements: Differential mass holdup of americium and plutonium oxides during preparation of traceable non-destructive assay standards. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 263, 327–332 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-005-0058-5
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-005-0058-5