ISO 9698 Tritium Activity Concentration by Liquid Scintillation Counting
ISO 9698 defines a method to determine tritium activity concentration in water, organic solvents, or other liquids using liquid scintillation counting (LSC). This technique is widely used for the quantitative analysis of tritium, which is an isotope of hydrogen and commonly found in various industrial processes and environmental studies.
The process involves dissolving a sample in a suitable solvent if it's not already in a liquid form. The dissolved sample is then mixed with a scintillant solution that contains a cocktail of solvents designed to maximize the light yield from tritium beta particles. This mixture is placed into a vial, which is sealed and read by a LSC instrument.
The tritium activity concentration is determined based on the light output from the sample. The intensity of light directly correlates with the number of emitted beta particles, thus providing an accurate measure of the tritium concentration in the sample. This method ensures high precision and accuracy, making it suitable for both research and regulatory compliance.
The ISO 9698 protocol is designed to minimize interferences from other radionuclides present in the sample. The use of a specific solvent mixture helps isolate tritium beta particles from other radiation types such as alpha or gamma radiation. This selective approach enhances the reliability of the measurement, ensuring that only tritium activity contributes to the final result.
The application of this method extends across various sectors including environmental monitoring, nuclear fuel reprocessing, and water treatment processes. In the field of nuclear fuel reprocessing, ISO 9698 is particularly important for assessing the purity of extracted uranium or plutonium by measuring residual tritium levels in the aqueous phase.
For environmental monitoring, this method helps in evaluating the presence and concentration of tritiated compounds in water bodies. This information is critical for regulatory compliance and ensuring that disposal methods do not contribute to contamination of natural resources.
- Competitive Advantage: Our state-of-the-art LSC instruments ensure rapid turnaround times, allowing clients to receive results promptly. The high sensitivity of our equipment enables accurate detection at very low levels, which is particularly advantageous in compliance testing where minimal concentrations need precise quantification.
- Market Impact: By providing reliable tritium activity concentration data, we contribute significantly to the nuclear industry's efforts towards safer and more efficient fuel reprocessing. Our service also supports environmental agencies' initiatives for cleaner water bodies, thereby enhancing public health and safety standards globally.
The precision and reliability of our ISO 9698 tritium activity concentration testing are underpinned by rigorous quality assurance protocols that comply with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025. This ensures that every test result meets the highest scientific and regulatory standards.
Applied Standards
The primary standard for this service is ISO 9698:1990 Liquid scintillation counting of tritium in water, organic solvents or other liquids.. This international standard provides comprehensive guidelines on the method and apparatus to be used for measuring tritium activity concentration. It also specifies acceptance criteria that ensure consistent and reliable results across different laboratories.
Compliance with ISO 9698 ensures that our testing methods are aligned with global best practices, making it easier for clients to integrate our results into their existing quality management systems or regulatory submissions. This alignment also facilitates international collaboration in research and development projects involving tritium.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled service excellence in the field of radiation and nuclear testing. Our team of highly qualified experts ensures that every test is conducted with meticulous attention to detail, adhering strictly to ISO 9698 guidelines.
- Dedicated Specialists: Our specialists are trained to handle tritium samples safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of contamination or errors in sample preparation.
- Advanced Equipment: We invest in cutting-edge LSC instruments that provide superior accuracy and precision. These instruments are regularly calibrated to ensure they meet international standards.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Our reports are detailed, clear, and easy to understand, providing clients with actionable insights into their test results.
- Fast Turnaround Times: We aim to deliver accurate and reliable results within a few working days, allowing clients to make timely decisions based on our findings.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in the certifications we hold. Eurolab is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, ensuring that all our testing services meet stringent quality requirements. This accreditation also reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in our field.
