Separation and activity standardization of ²²⁶Ra by 4πα liquid scintillation counting

Area of Science:

• Radiochemistry
• Nuclear Measurement Science

Background:

• Accurate standardization of Radium-226 (²²⁶Ra) is crucial for various applications.
• Existing methods may face challenges with interfering radon isotopes and their progeny.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a robust method for ²²⁶Ra standardization.
• To achieve high precision in determining ²²⁶Ra activity in production solutions.

Main Methods:

• Removal of Radon-222 (²²²Rn) via intensive venting.
• Separation of radon daughter products using a lead filings column.
• Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) of the eluate with corrections for progeny ingrowth.

Main Results:

• The developed method effectively isolates ²²⁶Ra.
• Activity measurements were corrected for the ingrowth of ²²⁶Ra daughter products.
• The method was successfully applied to EB type solutions from CMI production.

Conclusions:

• The described method provides accurate standardization of ²²⁶Ra.
• Achieved uncertainty for ²²⁶Ra activity determination was better than 0.6%.
• This technique is suitable for routine analysis of ²²⁶Ra in production settings.