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Zhang, R.*; Nadeau, K.*; Gautier, E. A.*; Babay, P. A.*; Ramella, J. L.*; Virgolici, M.*; Serban, A. E.*; Fugaru, V.*; 木村 祥紀; Venchiarutti, C.*; et al.
Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 46(1), p.43 - 56, 2021/11
In this study, data from thirteen laboratories from around the world are presented for a successful certification of uranium isotope ratios in uranium ore concentrate certified reference materials from the National Research Council Canada. Different mass spectrometric techniques (including SF-ICPMS, q-ICM-MS, TIMS, MC-ICP-MS, SIMS, and AMS) and analytical methods were employed. In general, the reported data from all sources exhibit good consistency, and as expected TIMS and MC-ICP-MS showed superior performances. The three candidate uranium ore concentrate CRMs, UCLO-1, UCHI-1, and UPER-1, have natural uranium isotope ratios with certified values of 0.5304(7)
10
, 0.5475(2)10, and 0.5361(4)10 for n(
U)/n(
U) and 0.007 2563(13), 0.007 2563(10), and 0.007 2542(11) for n(
U)/n(U), respectively, with expanded uncertainty (k=2) applicable to the last digit of the value given in the parentheses. Information values for n(
U)/n(U) in these three CRMs, measured by AMS, are also provided: 1010
, 210, and 2210. The uncertainties of the proposed certified values of uranium isotope ratios in uranium ore concentrate CRMs are superior to available reference materials and the values of n(U)/n(U) and n(U)/n(U) show significant variation among the three CRMs.
Kips, R.*; Lindvall, R.*; Marks, N.*; Gluschenko, V.*; 大久保 綾子; Szeles, E.*
no journal, ,
The sample set contained five UOC powder samples of known origin and a sixth sample of unknown origin (blind sample) were analyzed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Kazakhstan Institute of Nuclear Physics, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Centre for Energy Research. The objective of the joint sample analysis exercise was to characterize the uranium ore concentrate samples according to a well-developed analytical plan, and use the measured material characteristics to populate a nuclear forensics library. This library is then used to establish potential links between the blind sample and the samples of known origin. The four participating laboratories compared data and analysis methods, and shared best practices on the implementation of a national nuclear forensics library.
Shollenberger, Q. R.*; 木村 祥紀; Inglis, J. D.*; Lindvall, R.*; 西脇 大貴; 山中 澪奈; 海野 勇次*; 細井 雅春*; Marks, N.*; Kips, R.*; et al.
no journal, ,
Uranium ore concentrate (UOC), or yellowcake, is a precursor material for nuclear fuel and is formed when uranium ore has been mined and milled (chemically processed). UOC is a commercially and internationally traded product, and several cases have been reported where UOC was found outside regulatory control or interdicted as part of a law enforcement investigation. Consequently, we need to advance our understanding of nuclear forensic signatures to identify the origins and process history of UOCs. Such signatures include the concentration of uranium (U), other minor and trace-level constituents, and isotopic composition of U or strontium (Sr). However, the interpretation of these nuclear forensic signatures can be difficult due to various types of uranium mining techniques, as well as the processing of U ores to UOCs. Therefore, multiple nuclear forensics signatures are necessary to determine material origin with high confidence. Through the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NNSA/US DOE/NSDD), we present the analysis of seven UOCs provided by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). Nuclear forensic measurements were performed on these UOCs at four different laboratories located in both the US and Japan. This study will focus on the signatures of uranium concentration, trace elements, and U and Sr isotopic compositions. We will discuss the results from the different laboratories and evaluate the importance of these signatures in the context of nuclear forensics.
