Remote analyses of highly radioactive samples by x-ray fluorescence

The Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP) is a multipurpose nuclear fuel and waste processing facility located at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) near Idaho Falls, Idaho. The plant is presently operated for the Department of Energy (DOE) by a subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Company, Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear Company (WINCO). The facility receives and processes a large variety of reactor fuel types. The analysis of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing streams causes some unique problems for the analytical chemist. The major problems are the high levels of radioactivity, the complex solution of fuel components, fission products, dissolved cladding, and dissolver solutions as well as the need for rapid results. For the analysis of the heavy metals in these complex radioactive samples, the technique of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence offers some distinct advantages. The method is specific, highly automated, and the sample requires minimum preparation