Ion chromatographic determination of fluoride and chloride in UO₂ using microbore anion exchange columns

Chemical characterization of nuclear fuels is required to ensure that nuclear fuel meets the technical specifications of the fuel. Trace non- metallic impurities like Cl and F is important as they affect clad corrosion. Their effect is more severe in presence of moisture. Chlorine and Fluorine is routinely analysed by ion selective electrode or conventional ion chromatography after pyrohydrolyzing the sample in moist O₂ atmosphere at 950°. Both the technique generates large quantity of liquid waste. Generally 1 ml/min flow rate required for the separation of F^- and Cl^- in conventional ion-chromatographic separation of F^- and Cl^- on 4.6- 4.0 mm id analytical column. The waste produced per sample injection is ∼ 30-40 ml with suppressed conductivity detection in ion chromatography. There is a need to reduce this analytical waste in analyzing the radioactive samples for the determination of F^- and Cl^-. Waste generation could be effectively reduced by using microbore anion exchange analytical column. Present paper describe the use of Metrosep A Supp 16 - 100/2.0 column with Na₂CO₃+NaOH mobile phase for the determination of F^- and Cl^- in UO₂ samples using suppressed conductivity detection