Glove box adaptation of a high resolution ICP emission spectrometer and its operating experience for analysis of radioactive samples

ICP-AES units are commercially available in market from many well established companies. These units are all compact in design and are not suitable for its glove box adaptation. As per our divisional requirement of ICP-AES to be incorporated in glove box for the purpose of analyzing radioactive material, it was decided to have all electronic and optical components to keep outside radioactive containment and the entire assembly of ICP-torch, r.f. coil, nebulizer, spray chamber, peristaltic pump and drainage system to be placed inside the glove-box. Simultaneously it was essential to maintain the analytical performance of the spectrometer. From its ore to nuclear fuel to reprocessing and disposal, uranium undergoes several different transformations within the nuclear fuel cycle, including concentration, purification, isotope enrichment, metallurgical processing and obtaining precious element i.e. plutonium (Pu). The determination of impurities in uranium/plutonium at various stages of nuclear fuel cycle plays an important role in quality control and achievement of chemical and metallurgical requirements