Ion chromatographic separation for analysis of radiostrontium in nuclear reprocessing solutions of high ionic strength

Determination of⁹⁰Sr in nuclear fuel reprocessing solutions can be facilitated by a preparatory separation using analytical ion chromatography (IC). Furthermore, a novel acid suppression system is described which permits IC separation even in the presence of very strong (0.33M) acid. Following acid suppression (where needed), Sr²⁺ is concentrated and separated from most other solution components by selective adsorption on cation concentrator columns. Cation species retained on the concentrator columns with strontium are subsequently separated on a cation IC column. The Sr²⁺ peak aliquot is collected for subsequent radiostrontium analysis by liquid scintillation counting of the beta activity. Results have shown quantitative separation and recovery of strontium. The entire separation system is automated under computer control and is able to handle samples of large (500 ml) and small (l) sizes.