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Published on: May 20, 2019
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PC FRAM and InterSpec software comparison for uranium isotopic composition determination
Andrej Vraničar1, Raimonds Murnieks2, Anna Ansone2
1University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Summary
PC FRAM and InterSpec software were compared for uranium isotopic analysis. InterSpec offers preliminary estimates for uranium enrichment, but PC FRAM provides higher precision and lower bias for accurate nuclear forensics.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Science and Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nuclear Security
Background:
- Accurate uranium isotopic composition is crucial for nuclear forensics, safety, and non-proliferation.
- PC FRAM is a proprietary software for plutonium and uranium isotopic determination.
- InterSpec is an open-source gamma spectral analysis tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and usability of InterSpec for uranium isotopic enrichment determination.
- To compare InterSpec's performance against the established PC FRAM software.
- To assess InterSpec's potential as an affordable alternative for nuclear measurements.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of gamma spectra from reference materials and depleted uranium (DU)/highly enriched uranium (HEU) samples.
- Testing both PC FRAM and InterSpec software for isotopic analysis of uranium enrichments.
- Evaluation of precision and bias in enrichment determination between the two software packages.
Main Results:
- InterSpec, when configured properly, provides trustworthy preliminary uranium enrichment estimates.
- PC FRAM consistently demonstrates higher precision and lower bias in enrichment determination.
- InterSpec shows potential as an initial screening tool but cannot replace PC FRAM for precise isotopic analysis.
Conclusions:
- InterSpec can be a valuable tool for preliminary screening of uranium enrichment.
- Further development and parameter optimization are needed to enhance InterSpec's capabilities.
- PC FRAM remains the preferred software for high-precision isotopic determinations in nuclear applications.
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