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Mass measurement uncertainty for plutonium aliquots assayed by controlled-potential coulometry

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Abstract

Minimizing plutonium measurement uncertainty is essential to nuclear material control and international safeguards. In 2005, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 12183 “Controlled-potential coulometric assay of plutonium,” 2nd edition. ISO 12183:2005 recommends a target of ±0.01% for the mass of original sample in the aliquot because it is a critical assay variable. Mass measurements in radiological containment were evaluated and uncertainties estimated. The uncertainty estimate for the mass measurement also includes uncertainty in correcting for buoyancy effects from air acting as a fluid and from decreased pressure of heated air from the specific heat of the plutonium isotopes.

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Acknowledgements

This document was prepared under the United States Department of Energy contract number DE-AC09-08SR22470 with the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Savannah River Site, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Building 707-F, Aiken, SC, 29808, USA

    Michael K. Holland

  2. Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Building 723-A, Aiken, SC, 29808, USA

    Joseph V. Cordaro

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  1. Michael K. Holland
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  2. Joseph V. Cordaro
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Correspondence to Michael K. Holland.

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Disclaimer Mention of company names or products does not constitute endorsement by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) or the US Department of Energy (DOE). The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SRNS or DOE.

This article was prepared by a US Government contractor employee as part of his official duties. The US Government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable license to publish or reproduce this work, or allow others to do so for US Government purposes.

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Holland, M.K., Cordaro, J.V. Mass measurement uncertainty for plutonium aliquots assayed by controlled-potential coulometry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 282, 555 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0173-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0173-9

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