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Estimation of isotopic composition of plutonium from thermal reactors by neutron coincidence counting through isotopic correlation technique

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Abstract

Correlations have been established between %Eff 240Pu and various plutonium isotopes formed in thermal reactors. Based on these correlations, a method has been developed for the estimation of isotopic composition of plutonium obtained from thermal reactors. The method is simple, fast, non-destructive and finds application for the verification of plutonium isotopic composition in the finished products of known plutonium content. The method could be applied in the nuclear fuel fabrication to verify and confirm the fissile content (239Pu+241Pu) specification. It has also been shown that in principle, similar correlations could be established for Pu obtained from different thermal reactor fuels with reactor specific fitting parameters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radioanalytical Chemistry Division, Radiochemistry and Isotope Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Pradeep Kumar, Dipti Shah & K. L. Ramakumar

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  1. Pradeep Kumar
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  2. Dipti Shah
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  3. K. L. Ramakumar
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Correspondence to Pradeep Kumar.

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Kumar, P., Shah, D. & Ramakumar, K.L. Estimation of isotopic composition of plutonium from thermal reactors by neutron coincidence counting through isotopic correlation technique. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 278, 137–149 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-007-7192-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-007-7192-1

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