Manufacture of particulate reference materials
AssigneeBattelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC
InventorsMatthew S. Wellons, Michael A. Devore, II, Wendy W. Kuhne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for forming particulates that are highly consistent with regard to shape, size, and content are described. Particulates are suitable for use as reference materials. Methods can incorporate actinides and/or lanthanides, e.g., uranium, and can be used for forming certified reference materials for use in the nuclear industry. Methods include formation of an aerosol from an oxalate salt solution, in-line diagnostics, and collection of particles of the aerosol either in a liquid impinger or on a solid surface.
Claims18
A method for forming a particulate comprising:
- forming a solution comprising an oxalate salt of an actinide and/or a lanthanide;
- forming an aerosol comprising the solution, the aerosol comprising particles including the oxalate salt of the actinide and/or the lanthanide;
- impinging the aerosol into a liquid collection media and thereby collecting a particulate carried in the aerosol in the liquid collection media, the liquid collection media comprising a viscosity of about 0.9 centipoise or greater at 20° C. and comprising a vapor pressure of about 200 Pascal or less at 20° C.;
- wherein
- the particulate has an average particle size of about 20 micrometers or less and a geometric standard deviation of about 1.25 or less.
A microanalytical test specimen comprising:
- a substrate comprising a conductive material on a surface and a particulate deposited on the surface, the particulate comprising a metal element, the particulate having an average particle size of about 20 micrometers or less and a geometric standard deviation of about 1.25 or less.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.