Test plan for engineering scale electrostatic enclosure demonstration Page: 35 of 46
42 p.View a full description of this report.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
8. ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
8.1 Radiochemical Plutonium Analysis
Determination of plutonium concentration is performed using radiochemical separations
followed by analysis of the separated fraction using alpha spectrometry. The sample is put into
solution with a high temperature fusion followed by acid dissolution. Following a barium sulfate
precipitation, the solid is dissolved in alkaline ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and precipitated as
Ce(OH2) for alpha spectrometry. Samples can also be precipitated as neodymium fluoride using the
same technique to prepare standards for the alpha constant air monitors. This precipitate is also
counted directly on a surface barrier detector.
8.2 Plutonium Analysis by Large Area Alpha Spectrometry
Analysis of plutonium in soils and filters can also be accomplished by large area alpha
spectroscopy. Filters and smears are ground sieved, and then mixed with ethanol and sprayed on a
plate that is counted directly.
8.3 Gravimetric Analysis of Filters
All filters are weighed before and after each test on a +0.1 mg balance after drying in a
desiccator. Blank filters are periodically weighed in sets of 10 to test precision and determine the
effect of static charge and temperature on weights. Nonrespirable dust traps are cleaned and weighed
before each test. These weights are used to detect any build-up of dust or moisture on the caps.
Each filter assembly is labeled and assigned a number. Decontaminated, clean, dry cyclone samplers
are assembled using gloves. A new preweighed membrane filter is inserted into holder. The circular
screen is placed on the filter, and the filter holder is reassembled. The seam is sealed with a cellulose
band and allowed to dry before using the sampler in a test. The preweighed collector cap is screwed
onto the cyclone body. Fiberglass filters are placed on an attachment ring, and the assembly is sealed
with a rubber gasket. After each test, the cascade impactor and low volume (Lo-Vol) filters and
cyclone collector caps and filters on a calibrated +0.1 mg balance are carefully retrieved and weighed.
Total concentration, respirable, and nonrespirable fraction of airborne dust can then be calculated
from the flow data. After weighing, clean cyclone filters, cyclone caps, and cascade impactor
removable parts are placed in a desiccator for subsequent experiments.
8.4 Calculation Procedures
A decontamination factor will be determined from the experiment data for the electrostatic
separator (plates), CRT, and electret filter. The input and output cyclone sampler filters from the
ventilation system test section will be used to determine how much 29Pu is removed by the various
ESC devices (e.g., plates, CRT, and electret). The 239Pu removal efficiency (decontamination factor)
can be determined by
Removal efficiency % = [(Pin - P.,)/ Pin] *10024
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This report can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Report.
Meyer, L. C. Test plan for engineering scale electrostatic enclosure demonstration, report, February 1, 1993; Idaho Falls, Idaho. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1317964/m1/35/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.