Eichrom's Sr resin is one of our most popular products.

ideas▼EIChroMEIChroMEIChroMEIChroMReg. #A3624®Volume 3Issue No. 1April 1996P U B L I S H E D B Y E I C H R O M I N D U S T R I E S , I N C .Eichrom’s Sr resin is one of our most popular products. This product hasgreatly simplified the process of analyzing radioactive strontium, improvedrecoveries and results, eliminated the need for noxious chemical reagentslike fuming nitric acid and minimized the production of mixed waste. Ittypifies the benefits of Eichrom’s extraction chromatographic technology.As we reported in our last issue of this newsletter,the American Society for Tests and are developing and evaluating radiochemicalIn addition, several other subcommitteesMaterials (ASTM) has approved a standard methods. The outcome of these efforts will betest method for radioactive strontium in water validation of methods that will lower the cost(D5811-95) that uses Eichrom’s Sr Resin. The and improve the efficiencyapproval, in October of 1995, caps a decade of radioanalytical laboratories.long effort by ASTM’s D19.04 Subcommittee.On behalf of Eichrom, I want to thank everyonewho worked so relentlessly on thisefits all of us. Eichrom will continue to supportAs you are aware, the work of the ASTM ben-process. We also thank all of our customers the ASTM process to ensure that the bestwho participated in the multi-laboratorymethods for radiochemical analysis are evaluatedand approved. All of us here atcollaborative test that validated the method.Eichrom hope that you, the radioanalyticalThe support within the radioanalytical communityfor performance-based methods is efforts by participating in ASTM committeescommunity, will continue to support thesealmost unanimous. However, in some limited and through involvement in multi-laboratorycases, internal validation of these methods is collaborative tests.not sufficient. The existence of ASTM and itscommittees is critical to the external validationof efficient, innovative methods by non-regulatoryexperts.Scott WallaceThere are several other methods presentlyPresidentunder evaluation by the D19.04 Subcommittee.“Eichrom will continueto support the ASTMprocess to ensurethat the best methodsfor radiochemicalanalysis are evaluatedand approved.”

AmericiumSeparationIn Large Soil Samples (up to 50g)Figure 1Method forAmericium Separationin Large Soil SamplesSample leach(HNO 3 /HCl)Pu separation onanion exchange columnCalcium oxalate co-precipitationAt Eichrom’s workshop atthe Bioassay Conferencein Boston last November,Dr. Anna Berne of the DOEEnvironmental MeasurementsLaboratory reportedon a new method for measuringactinides, includingamericium, in large soilsamples. Dr. Berne’sAppropriate tracers (e.g. Pu 236 and Am 243 )are added to the sample before the firsttreatment with the leaching mixture.The filtrates from all leaching steps arecombined, evaporated to dryness andre-dissolved in 50-100 mL 7.5M HNO 3 .The oxidation state of Pu is adjusted to +4Table 1: Summary of the resultAm separation on TRU Resin columnmethod achieves acceptablechemical recoverieseven for very large soilSample Size(grams)Japanese ref. materialCa Conten(mg)Lanthanide separation onsamples and samples4 350TEVA Resin columnhigh in calcium content.4 3504 350Micro-precipitation with NdF Dr. Berne’s results for a34 350variety of soil samples are4 350Alpha Spectrometrysummarized in Table 1.9309-SoHer results were extremelyreproducible even when3030110110sample sizes varied. The results obtained9509-Sousing this method also showed excellentagreement with results obtained by a previoustraditional technique.203550200+N/A200+N/A200+N/A9603-SoThe method is summarized in Figure 1.20 330newmethods35 460An aliquot of the soil is leached with50 570HNO 3 /HCl mixture several times.

using NH 2 OH•HCl/HNO 3 . Pu (and someTh) is extracted from the solution using ananion exchange resin. The eluate andsubsequent wash contains Am and therest of the matrix. Americium is separatedfrom all other ions in three steps:1) co-precipitation with calcium oxalate,2) separation of Am from other actinideson TRU Resin, and 3) separation of Amfrom the lanthanide elements on TEVAResin. Am eluted from the TEVA columnis mounted by a NdF 3 micro-precipitationand counted on alpha-spectrometer.This method combines the classical meansof sample purification required by the largeraliquots of soil with time- and waste-reducinguse of Eichrom Resin columns.It is estimated that for a batchof four to eight samples, oncethe Pu procedure is completed,the number of man-hours forthe analysis can be as littleas 6.5 h. The total time for thedetermination is about 4 days,from the first oxalate co-precipitationto the point of submissionfor alpha-spectrometry.Events CalendarBelow is the calendar for Eichrom’s regionalUsers’ Seminars. The meetings are free ofcharge and lunch will be provided. Speakerswill include Dr. Bill Burnett of Florida StateUniversity, customers, and Eichrom personnel.Invitation packages containing a tentative agenda,details regarding the location and a fax-backregistration form will be mailed separately. Inthe meantime, if you are interested in making apresentation at one of these meetings, pleasecontact Susan Rajkovich at (800) 422-6693 or(708) 963-0320.May 2, 1996◆ ATLANTA, GEORGIAStouffer Concourse HotelOne Hartsfield Centre ParkwayAtlanta GA 30354(404) 209-9999May 30, 1996◆ OAKLAND, CALIFORNIAOakland Airport HiltonOne Hegenberger RoadOakland, CA 94621(510) 635-5000July 30, 1996s of 241 Am determination in soil aliquots up to 50gt Spike Recovery241Am Average 1 Traditional(%) (Bq/kg) (Bq/kg) Method 187 2.13 2.36 ±0.14 N/A81 2.37 (±6.0%)70 2.4087 2.5282 2.3870 0.24 0.234 ±0.006 0.2560 0.23 (±2.7%)◆ DENVER, COLORADOMarriott Denver West1717 Denver West Blvd.Golden, CO 80401(303) 279-9100August 13, 1996◆ CINCINNATI, OHIOWestin Hotel21 East 5th StreetCincinnati, OH 45202(513) 621-770087 1.95 1.93 ±0.18 1.79±0.0773 1.75 (±9.4%) (±4%)61 2.1170 4.25 3.97±0.26 N/A46 3.73 (±6.7%)46 3.931The reported uncertainty is the standard deviation of the average. Totalcounting error, for tracer and analyte combined, was not greater than 7% foreach of the individual measurements.

Analytical Grade Ion Exchange ResinsThe customer response to Eichrom’s new product line of ion exchange resins — anion and cation — hasbeen tremendous. Because of the success of this product line, we are now offering both types of resins incase and drum quantities for further savings to you. Cases contain nine 500 gram bottles;the drum size is 10 kg. For part numbers and pricing on these bulk quantities, please callyour Eichrom representative. Below is a listing of the expanded ion exchange product line.For additional items not listed, please call Eichrom at (800) 422-6693 or (708) 963-0320 orcontact your local representative.Anion Exchange ResinsEichrom Wet Comparable Bio-Rad ®Eichrom Product Ionic Mesh Bio-Rad ® ProductPart Number Description Form Size Size Part Number DescriptionA8-B500-C-CL Analytical Grade Chloride 500 g 50–100 140-1431 AG ® 1-X8Anion Exchange1 x 8 ResinA8-B500-M-CL Analytical Grade Chloride 500 g 100–200 140-1441 AG ® 1-X8Anion Exchange1 x 8 ResinA8-B500-F-CL Analytical Grade Chloride 500 g 200–400 140-1451 AG ® 1-X8Anion Exchange1 x 8 ResinA4-B500-C-CL Analytical Grade Chloride 500 g 50–100 140-1331 AG ® 1-X4Anion Exchange1 x 4 ResinA4-B500-M-CL Analytical Grade Chloride 500 g 100–200 140-1341 AG ® 1-X4Anion Exchange1 x 4 ResinCation Exchange ResinsEichrom Wet Comparable Bio-Rad ®Eichrom Product Ionic Mesh Bio-Rad ® ProductPart Number Description Form Size Size Part Number DescriptionC8-B500-C-H Analytical Grade Hydrogen 500 g 50–100 142-1431 AG ® 50W-X8Cation Exchange8% CrosslinkedC8-B500-M-H Analytical Grade Hydrogen 500 g 100–200 142-1441 AG ® 50W-X8Cation Exchange8% CrosslinkedC4-B500-M-H Analytical Grade Hydrogen 500 g 100–200 142-1341 AG ® 50W-X4Cation Exchange4% CrosslinkedThis resin cross-reference should be used strictly as a product guide and should not be construed as a list of equivalents. Please call Eichrom forcomplete product specifications. Please call Eichrom for the availability of additional resins and mesh sizes.Bio-Rad ® and AG ® are registered trademarks of Bio-Rad ® Laboratories.

EIChroMI N D U S T R I E S , I N CFrequentlyAskedQUESTIONS…AboutEichromResins &Pre-packedColumnsIf you have a specificquestion about Eichromresins or pre-packedcolumns, please callus at: 1-800-422-6693 or1-708-963-0320, or contactyour local representative.➠?➠1 What is the optimumparticle size?It depends on the application, but forthose in production situations generallythe 100–150 µm particle size which flowsapproximately 0.7–0.8 mL/min is best.For those making very small columns,50–100 µm particle size, which flowsapproximately 0.2 mL/min is best. Thoseusing vacuum systems should use eitherthe 50–100 µm (SPS) particle size or the20–50 µm (FPS) particle size.➠2 What is a free columnvolume (FCV)?A free column volume (FCV) representsthe interstitial space or void volume in achromatographic column. This is used asa measure of the amount of mobile phasepassed through the column relative to itssize. For Eichrom’s extraction chromatographicmaterials, the void volume isroughly 65% of the bed volume or1 FCV = 0.65 mL/mL of resin bed.➠3 What is the FCV of astandard 2 mL column?Since our pre-packed columns have a bedvolume of 2 mL, 1 FCV = 1.3 mL.➠4 Are pre-packedcolumns available indifferent column sizesand/or different resinparticle sizes?Depending on the quantity, Eichrom willaccommodate special orders which wouldinclude both different particle sizes anddifferent column sizes.5 In what solution are the2 mL columns packed?The columns are packed in 0.1M HNO 3 .➠6 How much resinis contained ina pre-packed column?All standard pre-packs contain 2 mL ofresin. For most of the products, thisequates to approximately 0.7 gram. For afew, however, the densities differ. A 2 mLNickel Column contains approximately 0.5gram of resin. Pre-filter columns containapproximately 0.45 gram. Tritium columnscontain approximately 0.8 mL Diphonix ®Resin, 0.8 mL Eichrom anion exchangeresin and 0.4 mL pre-filter material.➠7 Can the frits in thecolumn be removedor are they necessary?The bottom frit is necessary to hold the resininside the column. The top frit keeps theresin bed in place during shipping, but maybe removed at the time of analysis. If thetop frit does not meet your needs you canreplace it with glass wool, glass beads, etc.➠8 Can columns be re-used?Eichrom does not recommend re-usingcolumns because of the possibility ofcross-contamination.➠9 Can you let acolumn run dry?You should not let your columns rundry since this can cause channelingeffects and will often cause the columnto flow improperly.➠10 When colors appear on thecolumn during separationdoes this necessarilymean anything?Do not mistake colored bands that mayappear on a column during separation ascertain ions. Often the color means nothing.????????????????

I N D U S T R I E S , I N CEichrom Industries, Inc.8205 S. Cass Avenue, Suite 107Darien, Illinois 60561 U.S.A.First ClassU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 216Des Plaines, IL➧In thisIssue…New Methods • Frequently Asked Questions • Upcoming EventsEIChroMEIChroMEIChroMEIChroMI N D U S T R I E S , I N CFor additional information, contact:EICHROM INDUSTRIES, INC.8205 S. Cass Avenue, Suite 107Darien, Illinois 60561 U.S.A.Toll-Free: 1-800-422-6693Phone: (708) 963-0320Fax: (708) 963-0381AnnouncementsNEW COLUMNS AND…As many of you are already aware, Eichrom has selected a new source for itscolumns used to produce its extraction chromatographic products. The new columndesign has an outer diameter which is slightly larger (the inner diameter remainsunchanged) and a reconfigured tip to eliminate air bubbles. The new columns arecurrently being used in column packing operations. Based on inventory turnover,the new columns will appear in customer laboratories within 2–3 months.NEW COLOR CODING SYSTEM FOR COLUMNSIn conjunction with the new columns, Column TypeColor DesignationEichrom now provides a color codingsystem for its extraction chromatographiccolumns. This product improvementcomes as a result of feedbackfrom our customers to make identificationof the columns easier. The capsTRU ........................................BlueSr.............................................RedTEVA ....................................YellowUTEVA .................................OrangeNi ............................................PinkLn............................................PurpleActinide...............................Greenon each of the pre-packed columnsPb............................................Blackwill be color coded (see table at right)Tritium..................................Clearand a colored dot will appear on thePre-filter ..............................Clearoutside label of each package ofcolumns. The lot number will continueto appear on each column for individualcolumn identification.Eichrom encourages suggestions forproduct improvements such as the colorcoding system, since it benefits everyone.Eichrom’s Diphonix Resin, Eichrom and the Eichrom logo are registered trademarks of Eichrom Industries, Inc.© Copyright 1996. Printed in U.S.A.