Gamma spectrometric measurement of uranium isotopic composition and mass in sintered UO2 pellets using the efficiency transfer method

Henrik Ramebäck, Anna Vesterlund, Marcus Hedberg, S. Jonsson, P. Lagerkvist, Tim Vidmar

Research outputpeer-review

Abstract

Gamma spectrometric measurements to determine the isotopic composition and total uranium mass in UO2 pellets (D = 7.5 mm; H = 3.5 mm, ρ = 10 g/cm3) were carried out. The required efficiency curve was obtained by applying the efficiency transfer method from a calibration standard (D = 65 mm; H = 20 mm) of a slightly acidified water solution. The average isotopic composition of ten UO2 pellets was consistent with values of natural uranium given by IUPAC. The average relative bias for the 235U/238U amount ratio was −0.73% using the 1001 keV gamma line for 238U and 0.50% using the 63 keV gamma line (186 keV was always used for 235U). For the total uranium mass, the mean deviation as compared to mass determinations using a balance was 5.5% using the 1001 keV gamma line for 238U and 4.3% using the 63 keV gamma line.
Original languageEnglish
Article number110607
Number of pages5
JournalApplied Radiation and Isotopes
Volume192
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2023

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