Non Destructive Analysis Of Uranium In Graphite Fuel Elements By Neutron Activation

A method is presented for the determination of uranium (as U238) in uraniuni-loaded graphite fuel elenients by a non-destructive, direct radioactivity analysis technique. A 200-cbannel pulse-height analyzer, equipped with a 3 in. x 3 in. NaI(Tl) crystal, is used to measure the Np239 radioactivity of the neutron-irradiated samples. The amount of U238 in the test samples is deterimined quantitatively by comparing the Np239 radioactivity induced in each sample with the Np239 radioactivity induced into known standards of U238 processed under the same conditions as the test samples. The limit of detection for U238in samples of normal uranium composition for this method is about 1.0 x l0-4 ug. (auth).

Nuclear Graphite focuses on the development and uses of nuclear graphite, including machining practices, manufacture, nuclear properties and structure, radiation, and electrical resistance. The selection first discusses the applications of graphite in the nuclear industry, machining practices, and manufacture. Discussions focus on early, current, and future applications of graphite, impregnation, graphitization, purification, general machining techniques, and equipment and methods in the nuclear industry. The book then examines the structure and nuclear and properties of graphite. The text evaluates radiation-induced structural and dimensional changes; radiation effects on electrical and thermal properties; and radiation effects on mechanical properties. Topics include radiation effects on crystal structure, electrical resistance, thermoelectric power, magnetoresistance, coefficient of friction, irradiation under stress, and elastic moduli of nuclear graphite. The book also ponders on stored energy, annealing radiation effects, and gas-graphite systems. The selection is a dependable source of data for readers interested in the applications of nuclear graphite.

This publication addresses recent developments in neutron generator (NG) technology. It presents information on compact instruments with high neutron yield to be used for neutron activation analysis (NAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis in combination with high count rate spectrometers. Traditional NGs have been shown to be effective for applications including borehole logging, homeland security, nuclear medicine and the on-line analysis of aluminium, coal and cement. Pulsed fast thermal neutron analysis, as well as tagged and timed neutron analysis, are additional techniques which can be applied using NG. Furthermore, NG can effectively be used for elemental analysis and is also effective for analysis of hidden materials by neutron radiography. Useful guidelines for developing NG based research laboratories are also provided in this publication.