[en] Silicon-titanium-doped a-C:H, deposited via plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition and its chemistry at the titanium carbide interface has been studied via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the a-C:H film, as well as at the interface, the carbide species TiSiC is formed. Thermal treatment of Si,Ti-a-C:H films on TiC causes an increase in TiSiC at the interface leading to a better adhesion performance

[en] The determination of total plutonium and uranium in the accountability tank and leached hulls following dissolution of the fuel elements, constitutes a measurement of the input to the reprocessing plant. The volume and density of the solution in the accountability tank are measured to obtain the total weight of solution. The solution is sampled and analyzed by isotope dilution mass spectrometry to obtain the concentrations and isotopic composition of uranium and plutonium. The first chapter of this manual is devoted to the calibration of the accountability tank and to the measurement of the volume and density of dissolver solutions contained in the accountability tank. Calibration of instrument and jet heels is also considered. The second chapter of this document discusses procedures for obtaining meaninful samples of the dissolver and waste solutions. The third chapter discusses isotope dilution mass spectrometry of uranium and plutonium. A method for determining ²³⁸Pu by alpha spectrometry is also given. The fourth chapter contains sensitive methods for the determination of the uranium and plutonium concentration in aqueous and organic waste solutions and of undissolved fuel in leached hulls. The final chapter discusses the various types of error that may occur in the course of volume measurment, sampling, and analysis. It is shown how these errors may be estimated and combined to obtain an overall limit of error on the total plutonium and uranium in the accountability tank

[en] This publication provides guidance on methods and procedures for the accountability of reprocessing plant dissolver and waste solutions. Adherence to the recommendations detailed therein will enable the user to control these materials to a degree consistent with recent measurement capability. The scope of this publication is limited to chemical and/or destructive analytical techniques and omits methods of non-destructive analysis. This document details methods for the accountability of the total plutonium, the total fissile plutonium (Pu and Pu), the total uranium and the total fissile uranium (U) in solutions resulting from the reprocessing of spent light water reactor fuel. It is concerned only with the input dissolver solution (accountability tank), the residual uranium and plutonium in the leached hulls, and the waste streams in the separation process. Methods for the accountability of products of the reprocessing plant have been given in previously issued manuals

[en] This publication has been prepared to provide guidance on methods and procedures for the accountability of mixed oxide (UO2, PuO2). Adherence to the recommendations detailed herein will enable the user to control this form of special nuclear material to a degree consistent with recent measurement capability. The scope of this report is limited to chemical and/or destructive analytical techniques and omits methods of nondestructive analysis

[en] This report deals with methods for the analysis of uranium dioxide and contains sections describing: (1) sampling and sample handling, (2) dissolution of samples, (3) the determination of impurities in the matrix material, (4) isotopic analysis by surface ionization mass spectrometry, (5) chemical analysis, and (6) error analysis. Each section deals in sufficient detail with the subject matter to allow an experienced analyst to implement the procedures in a reasonably well-equipped analytical laboratory

[en] Permeabilities of noble gases, particularly argon, krypton, and xenon, were measured through a number of polymer films and coatings. Extrapolation of the log of the permeation coefficient versus the square of the gas molecular diameter was used to estimate radon permeability. An equation has been developed that can predict permeability to these noble gases as a function of the base polymer structure of the coating

[en] Procedures for the determination of the total U and the amount of ²³⁵U isotope in UO₂ powder and pellets are given. Methods for U determination include coulometry, titration, and gravimetry. Surface-ionization mass spectroscopy is described for ²³⁵U measurement. Spectrometric procedures are described for determining the impurity content in the UO₂. (U.S.)

[en] Coatings for use as radon barriers were evaluated. Coating materials evaluated included epoxy resins, furfuryl alcohol polymers, styrenated polyesters, polyvinyl acetate, and acrylic emulsions. It was calculated that virtually all coatings with permeation constants lower than 10^-10 cm³/sub STP/ . cm/s . cm².cm Hg and thicknesses between 5 and 10 mil will provide nearly 100 percent effectiveness. The selection of a suitable coating then ought to be based on other factors such as cost/m², vapor toxicity during application, ability to bind to the uranium ore in continuous films free of pin-holes etc. Obviously, any openings in the mine shafts and tunnels which are not covered with a film or any discontinuities of the film will act like the spillway on a water dam, i.e., the radon contained behind the barrier will flow out into the tunnel. (U.S.)

[en] This paper describes the mechanisms of optoacoustic and optogalvanic effects and shows how they can be succesfully applied to many different problems in laser spectroscopy and related topics. Such unconventional detection techniques are also discussed from the point of view of their advantages and limitations with respect to other techniques (C.P.)

[en] Between 1970 and 1985, 1814 patients with sequelae or damage caused by radiation were treated in our clinic. 'Damage' (caused by errors or technical defects) should be differentiated from anticipated sequelae (unavoidable side-effects) of irradiation treatment. Accidental or therapeutic exposure to ionising radiation may lead to various clinical effects. Physicians must be able to recognise them and to initiate adequate therapeutic procedures. (author)