The radiochemistry suite at NPL 

The Radioanalytical Service is aimed at the measurement of a wide range of α, β and γ emitting radionuclides in divers solid and liquid matrices over a wide range of radioactivity concentrations, and is particularly aimed at the decommissioning and remediation sectors.

Sample matrices

The bulk of this work is carried out on water, soil, steel or concrete sample; other matrices can also be analysed. Samples are analysed, following suitable pre-treatment for the particular sample type (including pyrolysis for both organic and inorganic matrices), by separation, purification and source preparation using a combination of ion exchange chromatography, extraction chromatography, distillation, solvent extraction or precipitation as appropriate.

γ-ray emitting radionuclides (40-2000 keV)

Radionuclides emitting γ-rays are determined non-destructively using high-resolution and high-efficiency HPGe γ spectrometers against matrix and geometry matched standards. The detector systems employed are shielded with graded lead shields. In addition, specialist measurements of actinide elements, including ²³³U, ²³⁵U, ²³⁷Np, ²³⁸Pu, ²³⁹Pu, ²⁴¹Pu, ²⁴¹Am, ^242mAm, ²⁴³Am, ²⁴³Cm, ²⁴⁵Cm, ²⁴⁹Cf and ²⁵¹Cf may also be carried out with dedicated equipment.

'Total' α and β determination

The measurement of total α and β is carried out in line with ISO Standards 9696 and 9697, using ²⁴¹Am and ⁴⁰K as reference radionuclides; other reference radionuclides can be employed on request.

β-emitting radionuclides

A range of β-emitters, including ³H (fixed, aqueous, organic), ¹⁴C, ³⁶Cl, ^41/45Ca, ^59/63Ni, ^89/90Sr, ⁹³Mo, ⁹⁹Tc, ^113mCd, ¹⁴⁷Pm, ¹⁵¹Sm and ²⁴¹Pu can be determined by liquid scintillation counting. Other radionuclides can be measured as well.

α-emitting radionuclides

Measurements of α-emitting isotopes of Uranium (^233/234U, ^235/236U and ²³⁸U), Neptunium (²³⁷Np), Plutonium (²³⁸Pu, ^239/240Pu and ²⁴²Pu), Americium (²⁴¹Am) and Curium (²⁴²Cm and ^243/244Cm) are carried out on a regular basis and measurements of natural series radionuclides or the higher actinides can be carried out by arrangement.

Mass spectrometry

Some mass spectrometry work can be carried out, but this is done on a case-by-case basis.

Bespoke analyses

Analyses of matrices and radionuclides not mentioned above can also be carried out.

Mixed analyses

Measurement of non-radioactive species, such as cations, anions, organics, asbestos and microbiological determinations can be carried out with other groups at NPL.

Contact

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8695
E-mail: radioactivity_enquiries@npl.co.uk