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Uranium Ore Analysis

Rob Hewitt, Robyn Reist, Jason Sadowski Engineering Physics College of Engineering Student Paper Presentation Competition March 26, 2009 Supervisors: Mike Bradley, Chary Rangacharyulu Client: Tyson Pederson (Areva). Uranium Ore Analysis. Outline. Overview/definition of project

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Uranium Ore Analysis

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  1. Rob Hewitt, Robyn Reist, Jason Sadowski Engineering Physics College of Engineering Student Paper Presentation Competition March 26, 2009 Supervisors: Mike Bradley, Chary Rangacharyulu Client: Tyson Pederson (Areva) Uranium Ore Analysis

  2. Outline • Overview/definition of project • Introduction to 238U spectrum and decay chain • How to determine abundance of 238U • Apparatus • Simplified calculations • Software • Simulated demonstration • Wrap-up/future goals

  3. Overview of Project • Uranium ore analysis system for Areva • Currently only measure total radiation • System is needed to determine percentage of uranium in an ore sample • To be used by technicians on-site or in the lab • Defined project according to given constraints: Determine abundance of 238U in a sample using the most accurate, user friendly, and cost effective system.

  4. Uranium Decay and Spectrum 101 • Radioactive isotopes decay into other elements by alpha and beta decay and give off gamma ray photons • Looking for 238U • Separate out 235U or create 239Pu (239U -> 239Np -> 239Pu) • Need to look further down chain • Measure the gamma energy given off by these isotopes

  5. 238U Decay Chain and Spectrum 295 keV 609 keV 352 keV Junk Energy, keV Stable

  6. What to expect from 1g Uranium? • Described by 14 equations • Each decay has probability of gamma ray emission 238U 4.468x109 Yrs 234Th 24 days

  7. What to expect from 1g Uranium? 214Bi (609 keV) 5.8x103 photons/s

  8. Recommendation: LaBr Detector

  9. Testing Apparatus Built for Specific Detector Fixed Geometry Adjustable Ruler Specific Rock Sizes Bulky Sealed Sample Holders

  10. How do we convert a spectrum to useful information? Correct for detector efficiency and sample geometry Example (using one peak): We know 1g natural U emits 5.8x103 photons/s at 609 keV We have a 20 g sample and measure 10x103 photons/s in the 609 keV line This peak indicates 8.62% Uranium

  11. Software

  12. Graphical User Interface – QT

  13. Program Demonstration

  14. Wrap-Up • Goals: • Accurate • Cost-effective • User friendly (automated and portable) • Next step: detailed documentation

  15. Summary • Project overview • 238U introduction/Detecting gamma rays • Detector types and testing apparatus • Calculating percentage 238U • Software • Demonstration • Met goals, now documenting

  16. Questions?

  17. Choosing a Detector

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