Development of new method for burnup measurement using shielded ion microprobe analyzer (SIMA).
Year: 1987
Type: article
Abstract: A new method of the fuel burnup measurement using a shielded ion microprobe analyzer (SIMA) has been developed. This method is based on the direct isotope analysis of U, Pu and Nd in an irradiated fuel by means of the secondary ion mass spectrometry. The sample tests on the irradiated fuels up to 13a/0 burnup have shown an accuracy within 6%.While the conventional isotope dilution method requires the acid-dissolution and the chemical separation of the irradiated fuel by handling samples in a glovebox, the new method can measure the burnup on a fuel in shielded apparatus remotely and directly. Consequently, the time for measurement was reduced to about one tenth of that of the conventional method, and a human radiation exposure became negligible.A microarea surface analysis by the SIMA provides the local burnup distribution in small area. Using this technique, the radial profile of the burnup distribution due to a thermal neutron depression was obtained in the fuel pellet irradiated in JRR-2 reactor. The radial burnup distribution was also measured in the mixed-oxide fuel pellet of the experimental fast reactor "JOYO" MK-II, which revealed some effects of Pu redistribution on the radial burnup profile.
DOI: 10.3327/jaesj.29.528
Authors: Shigeharu UKAI, Ichiro UNNO, Naoya KUSHIDA, Mineo MIZUNO, Yuji ENOKIDO
Institution: Nippon Nuclear Fuel Development (Japan)
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2998313331