4.3.4 Chemistry 238 py, 239,240py Analysis in Coral Samples Coral samples analyzed for plutonium were processed as described in DOE/ERSP Procedure No. 8. This procedure assured that a representative aliquot of the sample could be taken for the analysis. The separation of plutonium was completed by solvent extraction followed by anion exchange purification and electrodeposition on a stainless steel disc. The sample was then counted in an alpha spectrometer. Refer to detailed descriptions of the preparation procedure in DOE/ERSP Procedure No. 8 and of the chemistry procedure in DOE/ERSP Procedure No. 10. 241 am Analysis in Coral Samples Coral samples analyzed for americium were prepared following DOE/ERSP Procedure No. 8. This procedure assured that a representative aliquot of the sample could be taken for the analysis, The analysis required the isolation of the americium by the eco-precipitation technique followed by purification through anion and cation exchange resin columns. The purified americium was then prepared for alpha counting by electrodeposition on a stainless steel disc. Procedure No. 11 for detailed information. Refer to DOE/ERSP 234y, 235y, 238y Analysis in Coral Samples Coral samples analyzed for isotopic uranium were prepared following DOE/ERSP Procedure No. 8. This procedure assured that a representative aliquot of the sample could be taken for the analysis. The uranium was separated from the sample matrix using a solvent extraction technique, followed by an anion exchangeresin purification. The purified uranium was then electrodeposited on a stainless steel disc and counted in an alpha spectrometer. The details appear in DOE/ERSP Procedure No. 12. 90sp Analysis in Coral Samples The analysis for 90Sr in coral samples was based on the assumption that secular equilibrium between 90sr and 99Y existed. The 99y daughter was separated from the 90sp parent and counted in a low beta background counter. Refer to DOE/ERSP Procedures 8 and 15, for details. Treatment of High Level Samples High level samples with fross alpha activity greater than 400 pCi/g were processed in order to determine the TRU to 24lAm ratio. Samples were not required to be ballmilled but had to be homogenized. A 100g aliquot was sealed in a petri dish for gamma analysis. A small aliquot of the sample was analyzed by chemistry to determine the coneentration of plutonium and americium. The chemical yields were based on the values obtained on the Pu and Am internal tracers. 4.3.5 Data Handling Early in the cleanup project, a requirement was recognized for a permanent, accessible data storage system to allow future access to the sample date and location, spectral data, and chemistry results for each sample. To satisfy this requirement, EIC, EG&G and DRI were provided with identical HP9831A programmable desktop computers, with peripheral attachments varying according to functional requirements. The EIC computer system included a drive for flexible dises which were used to store programs and later the data obtained in the counting laboratory. Having identical computer components allowed sharing of the equipment between EIC, EG&G and equipment failures occurred and reduced programming and data transfer problems. DRI when All samples entering the RADLAB were given a controlled identification number from a preprinted roll of labels and were recorded in a sample preparation record book as well as on laboratory analysis sheets. ordered The record book was kept by EIC laboratory number sequence and the analysis sheets were by island and EIC laboratory number. 130 The laboratory sheets reflected the