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Radiochemical neutron activation analysis for trace chlorine in steels and alloys
S J Parry1, B A Bennett, R Benzing
1Centre for Analytical Research in the Environment, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berks, SL5 7TE, U.K.
A new radiochemical method accurately measures low chlorine concentrations in stainless steel. This is crucial for estimating long-lived chlorine-36 radionuclide in nuclear waste, aiding disposal management.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Chlorine is a common contaminant in reactor materials.
- Neutron activation of chlorine-35 produces chlorine-36, a long-lived radionuclide relevant to nuclear waste disposal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a precise radiochemical method for measuring low chlorine concentrations in stainless steels.
- To enable accurate estimation of chlorine-36 in radioactive waste.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of 1g stainless steel samples in a thermal neutron flux.
- Dissolution and precipitation of chlorine as silver chloride (AgCl) using a potassium chloride (KCl) carrier.
- Gravimetric measurement of AgCl recovery and gamma-ray spectrometry for chlorine-38 detection.
Main Results:
- The developed method achieves near-quantitative recovery of chlorine.
- Detection limits for chlorine in stainless steels are below 1 mg/kg.
- The entire analytical process, from irradiation to counting, is completed in approximately 1.5 hours.
Conclusions:
- The established radiochemical method is effective for quantifying low chlorine levels in stainless steel.
- This technique provides essential data for assessing chlorine-36 content in nuclear waste.
- Accurate measurement supports improved nuclear waste management strategies.
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