Radiation Catalyzed Conversion of Tritium Gas to Tritiated Water^a

A survey of water production dependence on tritium concentration and external radiation fields has been made for the tritium-in-air concentration range of 0.01 to 1 Ci/m³. Results of reactions taking place under static conditions (in Pyrex flasks at 20°C) indicate that: (1) self-catalyzed rates may be first-order-dependent on tritium concentration, and (2) external radiation fields may cause a virtual steady-state condition to occur (in terms of additional self-catalyzed water production).