Coulometric methods for uranium and plutonium determination

Abstract

Data on coulometric methods for U and Pu determination in various nuclear materials are presented, analyzed, and summarized. Coulometric determination methods at controlled current and controlled potential are considered. The main principles of the U and Pu determination procedures based on the use of the UO₂²⁺/U⁴⁺, Pu⁴⁺/Pu³⁺, and PuO₂²⁺/Pu⁴⁺ redox couples are presented. Various methodical factors influencing the error of the U and Pu determination, such as sample weight; supporting electrolyte composition; oxidation and reduction potentials; current; electrode material, shape, and activation procedure; impurity elements, etc., are discussed. Procedures for joint coulometric determination of U and Pu are considered separately. The main methods used by the authors for eliminating the mutual effect of U and Pu in their joint determination are described.