Patent ID: 9121807
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for the real-time monitoring of Plutonium content in U—Pu Alloys comprising: a) providing a crucible; said crucible having an interior non-reactive to a metallic U—Pu alloy within said interior of said crucible; said U—Pu alloy comprising metallic uranium and plutonium; b) heating said U—Pu alloy to a liquid in an inert or reducing atmosphere; c) cooling said heated U—Pu alloy to a solid in an inert or reducing atmosphere; d) monitoring the temperature of said U—Pu alloy during said step of cooling said heated U—Pu alloy; e) determining a solidification temperature signature from said monitored temperature; and f) determining the amount of Uranium and the amount of Plutonium in said U—Pu alloy from said determined solidification temperature signature.