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Assessing thermochromatography as a separation method for nuclear forensics: current capability vis-à-vis forensic requirements

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Abstract

Nuclear forensic science has become increasingly important for global nuclear security. However, many current laboratory analysis techniques are based on methods developed without the imperative for timely analysis that underlies the post-detonation forensics mission requirements. Current analysis of actinides, fission products, and fuel-specific materials requires time-consuming chemical separation coupled with nuclear counting or mass spectrometry. High-temperature gas-phase separations have been used in the past for the rapid separation of newly created elements/isotopes and as a basis for chemical classification of that element. We are assessing the utility of this method for rapid separation in the gas-phase to accelerate the separations of radioisotopes germane to post-detonation nuclear forensic investigations. The existing state of the art for thermochromatographic separations, and its applicability to nuclear forensics, will be reviewed.

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Abbreviations

τo :

Oscillatory period of molecule (s)

ΔH a :

Adsorption enthalpy (J kg−1)

T :

Temperature (K)

τa :

Surface adsorption period (s)

R :

Gas constant (J mol K−1)

T 0 :

Standard temperature (273 K) (K)

T s :

Starting temperature (K)

T a :

Adsorption temperature (K)

g :

Linear temperature gradient (K cm)

u 0 :

Gas velocity (cm s−1)

ΔS :

Adsorption entropy (J kg−1)

S :

Free surface area (cm2)

v :

Free volume (cm3)

V/A :

Ratio of standard molar volume to standard molar surface (cm)

T iso :

Column temperature of isothermal column (K)

L :

Column length (cm)

h :

Planck constant (cm kg s−1)

k :

Boltzmann constant (cm kg s−2 K−1)

D :

Column diameter (cm)

M :

Molecular weight (amu)

σ:

Standard deviation (K)

\( \bar{T} \) :

Mean deposition temperature (K)

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  1. Department of Nuclear Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA

    D. E. Hanson, J. R. Garrison & H. L. Hall

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  1. D. E. Hanson
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  2. J. R. Garrison
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Hanson, D.E., Garrison, J.R. & Hall, H.L. Assessing thermochromatography as a separation method for nuclear forensics: current capability vis-à-vis forensic requirements. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 289, 213–223 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-011-1063-5

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