Application of gamma-ray spectrometry for the assay of uranium in crude UF4—An input material used for producing nuclear grade U-metal at the natural uranium conversion plants

A -spectrometric method has been developed for the assay of uranium in crude UF₄, which is used as a secondary source of input material for producing nuclear grade U-metal at natural uranium conversion plants. The method makes use of a NaI (Tl) detector coupled with a multichannel analyzer. The 1 MeV -ray of²³⁸U is used for calibration. A method for the fabrication of uniform -assay calibration standards is also suggested, based on the results of this investigation. The calibration standards were prepared by soaking the matrix in uranium solution and then drying the whole material. The amount of²³⁸U in the crude UF₄ sample was directly estimated by comparing the areas under the 1 MeV -ray peak of known calibration standards with the corresponding areas of the samples to be measured. 100 g each of the standard and the sample were counted. 5 crude UF₄ samples were analyzed by this method. The uranium contents in these samples were found to be in the range of 12.2–28.7 g. To compare the -ray spectrometry results with a completely independent method, chemical analysis by potentiometry of all the samples was also done. The -spectrometric results were found to agree within ±18% with the chemical analysis results.     

Studies in the field of synthesis and reactions of unsaturated organic silicon compounds

Summary We have studied the reaction of tertiary -silicoacetylene alcohofs with concentrated hydrochloric acid and thionyl chloride and have suggested three methods for the synthesis of tertiary -silicoacetylene chlorides of the propargyl type.     

Gamma radiolysis of Methyl Red solution and reaction induced by γ-irradiated NaCl in Methyl Red

The -radiolysis of Methyl Red solution in HCl medium at pH=2 has been studied along with energy transfer reaction brought about byF and hole centers of -irradiated NaCl. The G-values for degradation of the azo dye indicator by radiolysis and -irradiated salt were determined as 9·10^–1 and 4.8·10^–3, respectively. The kinetic rate constants (k) of degradation are evaluated as 2·10^–5 rad^–1 in the case of direct radiolysis, while for the irradiated salt it is 2·10^–7 rad^–1. The extent of degradation by direct -radiolysis is 100–200 times greater as compared to that by the -irradiated salt. The same mechanism is proposed for radiolysis as well as the reaction induced by -irradiated sodium chloride.     

Distribution of137Cs,40K,238U and232Th in soils from Northern Venezuela

More than one hundred undisturbed soil samples from Northern Venezuela and the islands of Margarita and Los Roques have been analyzed for¹³⁷Cs,⁴⁰K,²³⁸U and²³²Th by -ray spectroscopy. The specimens were taken from between 5–10 cm below the earth's surface. Thus, they are valid not only for the¹³⁷Cs deposition studies but also for the estimation of the natural -ray dose from primordial radionuclides that form the terrestrial component. The concentration of⁴⁰K was directly determined from its 1461 keV -ray, while those of¹³⁷Cs,²³⁸U and²³²Th were performed using a -ray from one of their daughter radionuclides: the 661 keV -ray of^137mBa for¹³⁷Cs, the 1760 keV -ray of²¹⁴Bi for²³⁸U and the 2620 keV -ray of²⁰⁸Tl for²³²Th. Finally, the concentration values were compared with those of global estimates.     

Preparation and Characterization of Thin Optically Transparent Alumina and Ce-doped Alumina

Transparent and porous boehmite, -Al₂O₃ (500°C) and -Al₂O₃ (900° and 1000°C) thin sheets (50–100 m) have been prepared from boehmite sols. -Al₂O₃ shows about 48% porosity and 292 m²/g surface area. On transformation from -Al₂O₃ (500°C) to -Al₂O₃ (900°C), the porosity still remains high, i.e. 45%; however, the surface area becomes 138 m²/g. The porosity and surface area of -Al₂O₃ become about 41% and 97 m²/g respectively on further heating to 1000°C. A gradual increase of average pore radius during this thermal treatment suggests that coarsening of the pore occurred during the densification process. Both -Al₂O₃ and -Al₂O₃ show high degree of transmission from UV to NIR wavelength region. Cerium exists in +4 oxidation state in the boehmite as well as in the - and -Al₂O₃. The ultraviolet absorption edge of the alumina was tailored by varying the concentration of cerium.     

Analysis of thermal processes: The exponential integral

Thermal processes can often be characterized by peak reaction temperatures, pre-exponentials, and activation energies, as well as by other parameters. Values of the exponential integralEi(–x), or of a related integralI(x), where the numeric argumentx is a function of activation energy and temperature, are essential to the analyses of many of these processes. It is shown that the use of only the first term of the concomitant asymptotic series to approximate these integrals can result in less reliability than the uncertainty in thermal reaction data. Hence, values ofI(x) which are accurate to 4 significant digits over the range ofx from 15 to 50 are presented.

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Zusammenfassung Thermische Vorgänge können oft durch Spitzenreaktionstemperaturen, präexponentiellen Faktoren, Aktivierungsenergien oder andere Parameter gekennzeichnet werden. Werte des exponentiellen IntegralsEi(–x) oder eines entsprechenden IntegralsI(x), wobeix die Funktion von Aktivierungsenergie und Temperatur ist, sind wichtig zur Analyse vieler dieser Prozesse. Es wurde gezeigt, daß die Benutzung nur des ersten Gliedes der sich nähernden asymptotischen Serie zur Approximation dieser Integrale in geringerer Verläßlichkeit resultiert als die Unsicherheit der thermischen Daten. Werte vonI(x), die genau auf 4 signifikante Zahlenwerte über den Wert vonx von 15 bis 50 zutrafen, wurden vorgelegt.

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, , . Ei(–x), I(x), , . I() 4-4- x 15 50.

     

LLX separation of carrier-free,94,95,97,103Ru,93,94,95,96,99mTc and95,96Nb produced in alpha-particle activated molybdenum by TOA

A radiochemical charged particle activation procedure for the simultaneous production of carrier-free radioisotopes of more than one element in a single target and their subsequent separation through LLX has been demonstrated. The carrier free isotopes,^95,96Nb,^{93,94,95,96,99m}Tc and^94,95,97,103Ru formed through Mo(,pxn), Mo(,pxn) and Mo(,xn) nuclear reactions with 40 MeV -particle as detected by nondestructive -ray spectroscopy, have been effectively separated through LLX using TOA as an anionic extractant. Separation of the bulk matrix of molybdenum from the carrier free products has been monitored radiometrically using isotopic^93,99mMo formed through the Mo(,xn) reaction, as radioindicators for the target element. Purity of the separated carrier free radionuclide has been verified by -ray spectrometry.     

Die γ-Bestrahlung von synthetischem β-Carotin

Zusammenfassung Das feste -Carotin ist gegen -Strahlung ziemlich stabil. Bei Bestrahlung unter Sauerstoffbegasung treten deutliche -Carotin-Verluste erst bei der hohen Dosis von 12 Mrad auf; bei Bestrahlung an der Luft werden ähnliche Radiolyseerscheinungen erst durch wesentlich höhere Strahlendosen ausgelöst. Spaltungsprodukte, die bei 12 Mrad und Sauerstoffbegasung auftraten und dünnschichtchromatographisch aufgetrennt werden konnten, waren Isozeaxanthin, -Carotin-5,6-5, 6-diepoxid, -Carotin-5,8-5,8-diepoxid, -Apo-12-carotinal, -Apo-10-carotinal, 3,3,6-Trihydroxy--carotin-5,8-epoxid und Vitamin-A-Alkohol. Es ist bemerkenswert, daß ein Teil der Radiolyseprodukte (z. B. Vitamin-A₁-Alkohol, -Apo-12-carotinal und -Apo-10-carotinal) Vitamin-A-Wirksamkeit besitzt.

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The -Irradiation of synthetic -carotene. Some physico-chemical and thin-layer chromatographic studies of radiolysis products

Solid -carotene is remarkably stable to -irradiation. In an oxygen atmosphere doses as high as 12 Mrad were required to bring about significant losses of -carotene, whereas in air even larger doses had to be applied in order to effect a comparable degree of radiolysis. Cleavage products which arose in O₂ at a dose of 12 Mrad and which could be separated from each other by thin-layer chromatography were isozeaxanthin, -carotene-5,5-5,6-diepoxide, -apo-12-carotenal, -apo-10-carotenal, 3, 3, 6-trihydroxy--carotene-5,8-epoxide and vitamin A₁. It is notable that some of the radiolysis products (e.g., vitamin A₁, -apo-12-carotenal and -apo-10-carotenal) possess vitamin A activity.

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Herrn Prof. Dr.O. Hromatka zum 65. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

A new gamma-ray spectrum catalog and library for PGAA

New measurements have been performed at the PGAA facility at the Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) in order to create a prompt -ray catalog for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The measured spectra were accurately analyzed by HYPERMET-PC. Prompt -ray energies and associated -ray production cross-sections have been determined by internal standardization. The resulting catalog contains prompt -ray data from neutron capture and other reactions such as (n,), and decay -ray data from short-lived reaction products. Data have been measured for nearly all stable elements, from hydrogen to uranium. Generally, data for several isotopes are given, to enable isotopic analysis as well. The whole library, including elemental spectra, will be available as a book.     

Sulphur determination by proton-induced prompt gamma emission: The effect of the matrix and its importance in coal analysis

The determination of sulphur through -ray spectrometry induced by 5 MeV protons was chosen to study the effect of dilution and spike addition on the stopping power of the matrix and applied to the determination of sulphur in coal. Changes in the matrix cannot be ignored even for the spiking technique.     

A new improved expression for gamma-ray detection efficiency of Ge(Li) detectors

In the present paper, a new improved expression for -ray detection efficiency of Ge(Li) detectors, ⁰ , is given. It is represented as a continuous function of x (viz. E ^–1) with a maximum and decreases very rapidly to a small positive value as -ray energy, E, drops to 40 keV or lower, but slowly as E rises to 1.7 MeV or higher. Since it can well represent the whole physical process of the -ray detection, this expression may be one of the simplest and most precise representations, for ⁰ at the present time.     

Phase solubility analysis in studying the interaction of nifedipine with selected cyclodextrins in aqueous solution

The solubilizing potential and complexing tendencies of six cyclodextrins (CyD) with nifedipine in aqueous solution were evaluated using phase solubility methods. Solubility curves of nifedipine with -CyD, 2-hydroxypropyl--CyD (2HP--CyD) and 2-hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (2HP--CyD) were classified as type A_L, while for heptakis (2,6-dimethyl)--CyD (DIMEB), randomly methylated--CyD (RAMEB) and -CyD, A_p type phase behaviour was observed. Stability constants, calculated from phase solubility diagrams, decreased in the order: DIMEB > RAMEB > -CyD > 21HP--CyD > -CyD > 2HP--CyD.     

Preparation et proprietes physico-chimiques de l'hydrure d'aluminium AlH3γ

Résumé AlH₃ a été synthétisé. La décomposition thermique de cet hydrure ainsi que la désolvatation de Al(AlH₄)₃, (C₂H₅)₂O ont été étudiés par analyse thermogravimétrique. L'analyse thermique différentielle effectuée sur AlH₃ montre un effet exothermique dû au passage à la forme AlH₃ puis endothermique correspondant à la décomposition de la phase formée. Une structure type alanate est proposée pour AlH₃ .

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Aluminium hydride has been synthetised. Thermogravimetry has been used to investigate the thermal decomposition of this phase and the desolvation of A1(AlH₄)₃· (C₂H₅)₂O. Differential thermal analysis of-AlH₃ shows an exothermic effect due to transformation to -A1H₃, followed by the endotherm of -AlH₃ decomposition. A structure of alanate type is proposed for -AlH₃.

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Zusammenfassung -AlH₃ wurde synthetisiert. Die thermische Zersetzung dieses Hydrids sowie die Desolvatation von Al(AlH₄)₃·(C₂H₅)₂O wurden mittels Thermogravimetrie untersucht. Die Differentialthermoanalyse von-AlH₃ zeigt einen dem Übergang in die AlH₃ -Form entsprechenden exothermen und mit nachfolgenden endothermen Effekt, welcher der Zersetzung der gebildeten Phase entspricht. Eine Struktur von solvatfreien Alanat-Typ wird für-AlH₃ vorgeschlagen.

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- . l(l₄)₃. (C₂H₅)₂O . l₃ , l₃. lH₃ .

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Ce travail a été effectué dans le cadre d'un contrat de recherches passé par le Laboratoire de Chimie Minérale avec la Direction des Recherches et Moyen d'Essai. Nous remercions bien vivement cet organisme ainsi que le Centre de Recherches ELF ERAP de Solaize de l'aide qu'ils nous ont apportée.     

The predictive accuracy for estimating infinite dilution activity coefficients by γ∞-based UNIFAC

The predictive accuracy for estimating infinite dilution activity coefficients by a modification of the UNIFAC method wherein the group interaction parameters were based on only data (referred to as -based UNIFAC) has been studied. Estimates and measured values were compared for six prototypical solutes in a series of homologous n-alkanes, l-alcohols and alkanenitrile solvents. Despite the fact that the interaction parameters were derived using only data, this approach still gave serious errors due to several inherent problems in the original UNIFAC model. Its performance is sometimes even poorer than that of the original UNIFAC method. For example for nitromethane in alcohols and p-dioxane in nitriles values predicted by the -based UNIFAC are essentially zero. The large errors for these systems are most likely due to inaccurate interaction parameters in the -based UNIFAC method.     

High precision determination of uranium in ore by gamma-ray spectrometry

A new approach for the determination of elemental uranium in uranium bearing ore, using high resolution -ray spectrometry, was applied. Using a variant of the enrichment technique an agreement of better than 1% has been obtained between -ray measurement results and a certified value obtained by other analytical methods. For the calibration of the -ray spectrometer uranium reference samples have been used which are made available jointly in Europe and the USA as Certified Reference Materials for Gamma-Ray Spectrometry (EC NRM 171 and NBS SRM 969, respectively). The measured ore has been put in a special designed container which ensured in all directions seen from the radiation window an uniform degree of infinite thickness of about 95%. The results can be taken as an example for the applicability of -ray spectrometry when high accuracy is required and under conditions were homogeneously distributed elemental uranium is embedded in larger amount of matrix material.     

An empirical equation-of-state for solid-fluid interfacial free energies

The contact angle,, formed by a liquid on a solid surface in air depends on the solid-air ( _S ), liquid-air ( _L ) and solid-liquid ( _SL ) interfacial free energies, as described by Young's equation. Critical examination of reported contact angles for numerous liquids and solids leads to an empirical correlation between _sL and both _Y and _S . Combination of this correlation with Young's equation gives an empirical relation allowing calculation of _S from _L and Calculations made with these empirical relations agree well with estimations of _S obtained by the method of critical spreading, and are consistent with Young's equation.Founded and supported by F. Hoffmann-La Roche and Co., Limited Company, Basel, Switzerland.     

The influence of phosphorus on the γ→α+γ-transformation in metallic meteorites with special reference to the plessite formation

The formation of plessite, an intimate mixture of - and -phases in metallic meteorites, is discussed in the light of the new theory ofMassalski et al. (1966). Accepting this theory in general, it is shown that the differences of the grain size of the plessite-fields present need an explanation, which cannot be given by this model. By quantitative metallographic work, using an electron microprobe analyzer, and by theoretical calculations, based on metallurgical experiments, it can be shown that phosphorus and carbon exert a very great influence on the normal + transformation in meteorites. This means, that for all considerations based on the Fe/Ni-diagram, the chemically analyzed Ni-content should be replaced by a [Ni]_eff-value, which can be calculated from the Ni-, P-, and C-concentrations.

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Zusammenfassung Die Bildung von Plessit, einer innigen Mischung von - und -Phasen in metallischen Meteoriten, wird auf der Grundlage der neuen Theorie vonMassalski und Mitarb. betrachtet. Auch wenn man diese Theorie akzeptiert, kann sie die Unterschiede in der Korngröße, welche im Plessitfeld vorhanden sind, nicht erklären. Durch quantitative metallographische Untersuchungen mittels der Elektronen-Mikrosonde und durch theoretische Berechnungen (aus experimentellen metallurgischen Befunden) wird gezeigt, daß der P- und C-Gehalt den normalen +-Übergang so stark beeinflußt, daß in allen Diskussionen des Ni/Fe-Diagramms der analytische Ni-Gehalt durch einen [Ni]_eff-Wert zu ersetzen ist, welcher den Einfluß der Ni-, P- und C-Konzentration enthält.

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With 12 Figures

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This paper has been dedicated to Professor Dr.Friedrich Wessely on the occasion of his 70th anniversary.     

Determination of attenuation coefficient for self-absorption correction in routine gamma ray spectrometry of environmental bulk sample

A simple method to determine -ray attenuation coefficients using Ba-133 -rays has been developed and applied to self-absorption correction in routine -ray spectrometry for environmental samples composed of unknown matrix elements. Experimental values of the mass attenuation coefficient obtained by the method agree well with calculated values for samples of known elemental composition which was determined by means of chemical analysis.     

Übergangsmetall-Chalkogensysteme, 3. Mitt.: Das System Nickel-Tellur

Zusammenfassung Auf Grund thermischer und röntgenographischer Unter-suchungen wurde das vollständige Phasendiagramm Ni–Te aufgestellt. Die Anlage für die thermische Analyse wurde teilweise automatisiert, so daß ausgewählte Temperaturintervalle mit einstellbaren Heiz- udn Kühlgeschwindigkeiten periodisch durchlaufen werden konnten. Zwischen Ni und der kub. f. z. Hochtemperaturphase ₁ (Ni_3±x Te₂) liegt ein Eutektikum bei 34 At% Te und 1004,5°C. ₁ schmilzt kongruent bei 38 At% Te und 1021,5°C und hat eine maximale Phasenbreite von 37 At% Te (1004,5°C) bis 43,5 At% Te (880°C). Nickelreiches ₁ wandelt sich zwischen 796 und 789°C in eine Ordnungsphase ₁ um, die bei 37,7 At% Te und 731°C eutektoidisch in Ni und ₂ zerfällt. ₁ und ₁ wandeln sich unterhalb bei 790°C in die tetragonale ₂-Phase um, deren maximaler Homogenitätsbereich von 38,8 At% Te (731°C) bis 41 At% Te (775°C) reicht. Bei 42,5 At% Te und 775°C zerfällt ₁ eutektoidisch in ₂ und ₂. Die ₂-Phase (NiTe_0,85) bildet sich peritektisch bei 880°C und zerfällt bei 690°C nach _{2 1} + . Orthorhombisches ₁ disproportioniert sich peritektoidisch bei 742,5°C in ₂ und ₂. ₂ bildet bei 873°C und 49,5 At% Te ein Eutektikum mit der -Phase vom NiAs-Typ. hat einen kongruenten Schmelzpunkt von 900,5°C bei 56 At% Te und eine maximale Phasenbreite von 52 At% Te (690°C) bis 66,6 At% Te (448,5°C). Mit Te bildet die -Phase ein entartetes Eutektikum bei 448,5°C. Die Phasen ₂, ₁ und wurden röntgenographisch verifiziert und die Abhängigkeit der Gitterparameter der -Phase von der Konzentration vermessen.

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Transition metal-chalcogene systems, III: The system Ni–Te

Based on thermal and X-ray measurements the complete Ni–Te phase diagram was constructed. The equipment for thermal analysis was partially automated so that selected temperature intervals could be periodically scanned by programmed heating and cooling rates. Between Ni and thefcc high temperature phase ₁ (Ni_3±x Te₂) a eutectic exists at 34 at% Te and 1004.5°C. ₁ melts congruently at 38 at% Te and 1004.5°C, and has a maximum phase width from 37 at% Te (1004.5°C) to 43.5 at% Te (880°C). Nickel-rich ₁ transforms between 796 and 789°C into an ordered phase ₁ which decomposes eutectoidally into Ni and ₂ at 37.7 at% Te and 731°C. ₁ and ₁ transform at temperatures below 790°C into the tetragonal ₂-phase which has a maximum range of homogeneity from 38.8 at% Te (731°C) to 41 at% Te (775°C). At 42.5 at% Te and 775°C ₁ decomposes eutectoidally into ₂ and ₂. The ₂-phase (NiTe_0.85) is formed by the peritectic reactionL + _{1 2} at 880°C and decomposes at 690°C according to _{2 1} + . Orthorhombic ₁ disproportionates peritectoidally at 742.5°C into ₂ and ₂. ₂ forms at 873°C and 49.5 at% Te a eutectic with the -phase of the NiAs-type. has a congruent melting point of 900.5°C at 56 at% Te and a maximum phase width from 52 at% Te (690°C) to 66.6 at% Te (448.5°C). Te and the -phase form a degenerate eutectic at 448.5°C. The phases ₂, ₁, and were verified by X-ray diffraction and the lattice parameters of the -phase were determined as a function of concentration.

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Mit 2 Abbildungen     

New Molybdenum(V) Complexes Prepared by the Oxidation of Dinuclear Quadruply-Bonded Molybdenum(II) Monothiocarboxylates

Oxidation of molybdenum(II) thiopivalate and thiobenzoate in the presence of -picoline or pyridine results in the formation of dinuclear molybdenum(V) complexes of the general formulae [Mo₂O₂(-O)₂(-SO₄)L₄] with L = -picoline or pyridine and [Mo₂O₂(-O)(-S)(-SO₄)L₄] with L = -picoline. As determined by X-ray structure analysis, two complexes with -picoline differ in their bridging cores: In one complex, two Mo atoms are doubly bridged through two oxygen atoms; in the other, one Mo atom is doubly bridged through oxygen and sulfur atoms. However, they both crystallize together. The product is solvated with -picoline and water molecules. Molybdenum atoms exhibit distorted octahedral coordinations. The same complexes were prepared also through direct reactions of [Mo₂O₃(O₂CCH₃)₄] with thiopivalic and thiobenzoic acid in the presence of -picoline or pyridine. The appearance of the oxo-oxygens and sulfido-sulfur as well as sulfato ligand is explained by the molybdenum-catalyzed oxidation of thiocarboxylates.