Characterization of Radioisotopes at Kinectrics Inc.: Method Development and Sample Analysis for the Nuclear, Health and Food Sectors

Abstract

Kinectrics is a leader in providing life cycle management services for the electricity industry. For over 40 years, the Radioactive Materials and Chemistry Services team at Kinectrics has provided their expertise in radiochemical characterization to Canadian and international clients, in support of such projects as:

• The chemical separation and purification of CANDU-specific radioisotopes, including ²⁴¹Pu, ²³⁸Pu, ^239+240Pu, ²⁴²Cm, ^243+244Cm, ³H, ¹⁴C, ⁹⁰Sr, ⁵⁵Fe, ⁶³Ni and ²⁴¹Pu in various sample matrices;
• Method development for the analysis of difficult to measure radioisotopes in nuclear waste streams, including ⁹³Zr, ³⁶Cl, ¹²⁹I and ¹⁰Be;
• Ultra-low detection of ²³⁹Pu in human urine using novel mass spectrometric techniques; and
• The radiochemical analysis of strawberries, blueberries and oranges to meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements.

An overview of radiochemical characterization projects will be presented, with a focus on the method development and sample analysis of radioisotopes in industrial, health and food applications.