STUDY OF THE INTERFERENCES IN THE DETERMINATION OF PU, AM AND CM IN RADIOACTIVE-WASTE BY EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHY

This paper describes the experimental studies carried out to determine Pu-238, Pu-239/40, Pu-241, Am-241, Cm-242 and Cm-244 in samples from nuclear power plants (mainly spent ion exchange resins and evaporator concentrates) using an organophosphorus compound immobilized on an ine rt support. These materials are commercially available under the name TRU Resin (for Transuranium Specific) from Eichrom Industries, Darien, IL. An attempt is made to develop a rapid, accurate method of analysi s, with minimum waste generation. Standard solutions of Pu and Am and one sample of spent ion exchange resin that contains fission, activati on products, Pu, Am and Cm were analysed to study the separation facto rs and interferences in the measurement of Pu, Am and Cm isotopes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.