Implementation of a quality assurance program at the UFTR neutron activation analysis laboratory

The University of Florida Training Reactor (UFTR) is a light-water-cooled, graphite- and light-water-moderated, Argonaut-type reactor. The UFTR currently utilizes highly enriched plate-type fuel in a two-slab arrangement. Despite its relatively low power level at 100 kW, the two-slab core configuration provides a peak thermal (subcadmium) flux of 2.3 x 10{sup 12} n/cm{sup 2} {center_dot} s. As a result, an important utilization of the UFTR is elemental analysis of various sample matrices from complex soil media to pure silicon using instrumental neutron activation analysis. To meet increasing demands for quality analytical services and to ensure accuracy and integrity of results using comparative neutron activation analysis (CNAA), a quality assurance program has been developed and implemented at the UFTR Analytical Laboratory (UFTRAL). Its chief goals are to (1) determine the accuracy and precision of analytical data; (2) maintain statistical control over these results; and (3) provide procedures and techniques that identify and limit random and systematic errors in data analysis. Because this analysis occurs in a university environment, the quality assurance program is tailored to accommodate this environment while simultaneously assuring defensible data are acquired.