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Preparation of Tritiated Water Samples by Distillation

Abstract

IN many experiments using tritium as a tracer it is necessary to prepare a sample of pure water from organic material. During measurements of total body water using tritiated water in a dilution technique we have obtained pure water samples from urine by distillation. The urine is placed in a small vessel (Fig. 1) the bulb of which is put in an oil-bath maintained at 110° C. The distillate collects in the bend of the side-arm, which is cooled by a piece of wet paper or cloth. The glass-wool plug prevents urine frothing over into the side-arm. This technique has proved more effective and convenient than decolorizing with activated charcoal.

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References

  1. Dorsey, N. E., “Properties of Ordinary Water Substance” (Reinhold, New York, 1940).

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SIMPSON, J., GREENING, J. Preparation of Tritiated Water Samples by Distillation. Nature 186, 467–468 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/186467c0

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