Evaluating the status of uranium isotope ratio measurements using an inter-laboratory comparison campaign

The REIMEP 18 (Regular European Inter-laboratory Measurement Evaluation Programme) campaign for the measurement isotopic ratios of uranium in nitric acid solution was completed in December 2006. The task for all participating laboratories was to measure the uranium isotopic composition of four uranium samples ranging from depleted to slightly enriched uranium. With 71 participating laboratories RETMEP 18 has become the largest nuclear isotopic measurement campaign organized by IRMM so far. Participation in this kind of measurement campaign is an integral part of the external quality control required for nuclear safeguards laboratories worldwide. For the first time also a significant number of academic laboratories, mainly from the geochemistry area was included. Certification measurements were carried out at IRMM using state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methodology. A MAT511 UF6-gas source mass spectrometer (GSMS) was used to determine the n(U-235)/n(U-238) ratios and a TRITON thermal-ionization mass-spectrometer (TIMS) for the minor isotope ratios n(U-234)/n(U-238) and n(U-236)/n(U-238). Verification measurements on ampouled samples were performed successfully prior to sample shipping and showed good agreement with the certified ratios. The results of the REIMEP 18 campaign confirm in general the excellent capability of nuclear safeguards and scientific laboratories in measuring isotopic abundances of uranium, although some problems were discovered for the measurements of the minor isotope ratios n(U-234)/n(U-238) and n(U-236)/n(U-238) and the calculation of measurement uncertainties for isotope ratios in general. This paper describes the outcome of the REIMEP 18 campaign. It includes a graphical evaluation and discussion of the results, an evaluation of the applied measurement and calibration techniques and a discussion of conclusions and actions to be taken. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.