The Differential Spectrophotometric Determination Of Plutonium In Routine Use PDF Download

ABS>The application of a high-precision Cary Model 16 spectrophotometer to the differential spectrophotometric determination of plutonium(III) was investigated. The absorbances of plutonium(III) solutions were measured against colored glass filters at 560 nanometers. Selection of various instrument parameters and the determination of the best reference filter for the highest precision are discussed. Two sets of calibration points were analyzed, The absorbance for each set was measured once a day for three days. A statistical comparison between the three readings, the three least squares curves, and the two sets of calibration points are discussed. The standard deviation of the average reading about the line was plus or minus 0.0028 g/liter plutonium in the 11 to 15 g/liter plutonium range. Detailed procedures for standard preparation from plutonium nitrate and for operation of the Cary Model 16 are included. The advantages and disadvantages of the equipment and method are discussed and further experiments suggested. (auth).