Automated sample-processing and titration system for the determination of uranium

The system comprises a computer-controlled automatic wet chemical analyzer and a scheme for handling all of the data generating operations associated with the assay of solid or solution samples containing uranium. The analytical measurement technique is based on the Davies-Gray/New Brunswick Laboratory method and involves controlled-current coulometry with potentiometric endpoint detection. To increase the credibility of the analytical results and minimize the probability of processing large numbers of samples incorrectly, the analyzer includes an extensive fault-monitoring network. This guards against (a) off-normal conditions that might result in analytical errors, and (b) unsafe operating conditions. There is provision for analyzing standards along with samples, and for automatically comparing the standard results with allowable control limits