Trace elemental analysis of bulk uranium materials using an inline automated sample preparation technique for ICP-OES

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Uranium matrices pose challenges for trace element analysis due to their high concentration and corrosive nature.
• Traditional methods often involve manual separation, increasing risks of human exposure to hazardous acids and radioactive materials.
• Automated techniques are needed to enhance safety and efficiency in analyzing trace elements in uranium samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an automated inline method for separating trace element impurities from uranium matrices.
• To reduce human exposure to concentrated acids and uranium-rich samples through automation.
• To establish a robust method for accurate and precise trace element quantification in complex uranium samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an automated inline system with a UTEVA resin column for separation.
• Employed a prepFAST IC coupled with an Avio 500 ICP-OES for analysis.
• Implemented inline dilutions and a post-column dilution step to manage matrix acidity and concentration.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient separation of trace elements from uranium matrices with <5% relative difference and <10% relative standard deviation.
• Demonstrated accurate and precise measurements using various inline dilution factors.
• Established method detection limits for 21 elements ranging from 7 to 326 ng/mL.

Conclusions:

• The automated inline method provides a safe and efficient alternative for trace element analysis in uranium matrices.
• The developed method ensures high accuracy and precision, suitable for routine analysis.
• Automation significantly reduces sample preparation time and operator exposure to hazardous materials.