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

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.