Pyrohydrolytic separation of fluoride and chloride in U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr metallic fuel alloys through oxidation accompanied by estimation using ion chromatography

A glove box facility was established for the determination of non-metallic F- and Cl- (Halides) impurities in U-6 wt% Zr and U-19 wt%-Pu-6 wt% Zr actinide alloy fuel samples through separation of halides by a pyrohydrolysis procedure after establishing the quantitative conversion of alloy samples to their respective oxides under the experimental conditions. The determination of halides was subsequently accomplished by using ion chromatography. To ensure the complete oxidation and also to accomplish the quantitative recovery of halides out of these metal alloy fuel samples, extended pyrohydrolysis is indispensable. The present pyrohydrolysis procedure was validated by the standard addition method.

Automated summary

A glove box facility was established to determine non-metallic halide impurities in U-6 wt% Zr and U-19 wt%-Pu-6 wt% Zr actinide alloy fuel samples. The method involves the separation of halides through pyrohydrolysis and the subsequent determination using ion chromatography.