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1.1 This practice describes the use of an ion exchange technique to separate plutonium from solutions containing low concentrations  of americium  prior  to measurement of the ²⁴¹Am by gamma counting.

1.2 This practice covers the removal of plutonium, but not all the other radioactive isotopes that may interfere in the determination of ²⁴¹Am.

1.3 This practice can be used when ²⁴¹Am is to be determined in samples in which the plutonium is in the form of metal, oxide, or other solid provided that the solid is appropriately sampled and dissolved (See Test Methods C758, C759, and C1168).

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

4.1 This  practice  is  applicable  when  small amounts of ²⁴¹Am are present in plutonium samples (see Test Methods C758 and C759). An example is the determination of ²⁴¹Am in a ²³⁸Pu sample. The high specific activity of ²³⁸Pu presents a safety hazard that precludes its presence in a counting facility. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the ²³⁸Pu prior to the determination of ²⁴¹Am.

4.2 When a plutonium solution contains fission or activation products, this practice does not separate all radionuclides that interfere in the determination of ²⁴¹Am, such as the rare earths.