Method for the quantitative determination of the fissile material content in small size particles
AssigneeEuropean Community (EC)
InventorsJacobus van Geel, André Lagerwaard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method is provided for the quantitative determination of fissile material content in small size particles present in samples. The samples are sandwiched in organic sheets and then submitted to a defined thermal neutron fluence whereupon fission products of the fissile material in the sample create in the sheets fission tracks which are rendered visible by etching the sheets. Then the size of selected particles having created such tracks is. determined by means of a microscope and thereafter these visible tracks of the selected particles are compared to pre-established standard tracks obtained by the same process from particles of different stepped known size and enrichment ratio.
Claims4
A method for the quantitative determination of fissile material content in small size particles present in samples wherein:
- the samples are sandwiched in organic sheets and then submitted to a defined thermal neutrons fluence whereupon fission products of the fissile material in the sample create fission tracks in the sheets,
- the tracks are enhanced by a chemical etching process,
- the size of selected particles having created such tracks is determined by means of a microscope,
- and thereafter these visible tracks of said selected particles are compared to pre-established standard tracks obtained by the same process from particles of different stepped down size and enrichment ratio.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.