Radioanalysis of technetium-99 at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant

Technetium-99 is determined in various media by measuring its beta activity using liquid scintillation spectrometry. The use of liquid scintillation spectrometry reduces the time and simplifies preparation of the samples for counting. Some types of samples are analyzed by direct counting procedures which involve no chemical separation. For samples which require a separation of the technetium from uranium and its daughters, a simple hydroxide precipitation removes the interfering elements. This separation technique is faster and more reliable than previously used solvent extraction methods and provides adequate specificity for use at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant