Americium, curium and neodymium analysis in ECRIX-H irradiated pellet: sample preparation for TIMS measurements

Abstract : This paper concerns quantitative isotopic analysis of Am, Cm and Nd contained in an irradiated AmO 1.62 /MgO pellet. The complete analysis protocol is described, from dissolution of the pellets in a shielded line to the laboratory glove separation processes box for TIMS analysis. Emphasis is placed on the separation processes: by ion exchange resin in a hot cell and by HPLC in the laboratory. Intermediate measurements by X-ray fluorescence, alpha spectrometry, and ICP-AES are described.