Evaluation of an on-line β-flow monitor for the rapid chromatographic detection of actinides

In the last seven years, investigations on the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of metals has increased. Within the last five years, HPLC flow monitors capable of detecting radionuclides have been introduced commercially. Such detectors are now being used for quantifying beta and low energy gamma emitters. However, the combination of high speed, high resolution chromatography with an on-line radiometric detector for the separation and detection of actinide metals has not been reported. This presentation will discuss the preliminary evaluation of the Berthold LB-504 radiometric detector for the detection of plutonium and neptunium β-diketonates. The sensitivity and potential limitations of the detector will be discussed. Comparative data between the radiometric detector and a UV detector for detecting the β-diketonates will be presented. The benefits that can be derived from the on-line dual coupling of the detectors will also be addressed