Re: Tritium Smear Analysis

[Erik Nielsen <enielsen@antechltd.net>]

The method employed to analyze wipe samples for tritium depends on the 
chemical and physical form of the tritium.

If the tritium is present in tritiated solid compounds, simply putting the 
wipe in the cocktail and counting may be insufficient.  Is there 
significant colored material (dirt) on the wipe that could affect the 
sample quench and therefor the efficiency of the measurement?

Is the tritium in an aqueous or polar solution?  Are you using a solvent to 
assist in removing the contamination from the object being wiped?

A sample oxidizer with a trap removes all of these considerations.  The 
sample is oxidized at 800 degrees C in a pure oxygen atmosphere.  Inorganic 
and organically bound tritium (as H and H2O) are released/oxidized from the 
sample and trapped in an ethylene glycol cocktail.


Erik C. Nielsen
Senior Radiochemist

Antech Ltd Waltz Mill Laboratory
P.O. Box 158, Bldg G, M/S 62
Madison, PA 15663

(V) 724-722-5214
(F) 724-722-5208

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