Tritium Analysis in Palladium with an Open System Analytical Procedure

In 45 palladium samples produced by three different manufacturers in various lots and sizes, no evidence of tritium contamination is found. Within the maximum error of the experiments, i.e., ±3 decay/min·ml⁻¹, the palladium samples give tritium counts identical with the background of 26 decay/min · ml. The major factors leading to possible errors in applying this technique are discussed. False high readings may be caused by chemiluminescence, photoluminescence, colored solutions, and chemical reactions. But false high readings are not obtained when automatic quench control and other standard precautions are employed. On the other hand, false low readings can result from the escape of dissolved tritium gas. Closed system analytical procedures are, therefore, preferred.