Efficient characterisation of radioactive waste is essential in determining correct disposal routes leading to decreased nuclear decommissioning costs. The measurement of specific alpha and beta radionuclides in a sample currently involves multiple dissolution, preconcentration and separation steps. These procedures are time consuming and require significant analyst input.
Separation and isolation of the analyte is often achieved using column-based ion exchange or extraction chromatography resins.
These methods can be automated using flow injection or sequential injection systems.
Having less analyst input has benefits:
Less human error - Improves quality of results
Lower labour costs - More cost effective
Unmanned operation - Greater throughput
Full kinetic and thermodynamic characterisation of commercial resins adds extra benefits:
Consistent flow rate increases reproducibility - Improves quality of results
Using the highest flow rate possible - Greater throughput
This project is funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority with National Nuclear Laboratory supervision. Facility use and commercial expertise has kindly been provided by GAU Radioanalytical Laboratories.