On-line analytical system developed for the ACEP to determine uranium concentration and uranium isotopic abundance ratio

An on-line analytical system was developed to rapidly determine total uranium concentration and isotopic abundance ratio of 235U to 238U in a uranium solution which passes through a pipe in the chemical exchange uranium enrichment process. The isotopic abundance ratio is calculated by time with a computer using two analytical results, the determination of 235U and that of total uranium. A new method, in which the concentration of uranium could be quickly measured by detecting the absorption of γ-rays due to uranium, was investigated for the determination of uranium. The concentration of 235U was measured by the 185 keV of γ-rays obtained from the disintegration of 235U. The reproducibility of the isotopic abundance ratio analysis was improved less than 2% with relative standard deviation when more than 0.1 mol·dm-3 of natural uranium was analyzed. The analytical information on uranium can be obtained without any treatment in the enrichment equipment. (author)