Performance and Blank Components of a Mass Spectrometric System for Routine Measurement of Helium Isotopes and Tritium by the 3He Ingrowth Method

For future studies of oceanic circulation it is necessary to develop the tritium measurement via 3He ingrowth into a routine procedure with a high capacity for efficient use. This paper attempts to demonstrate that this can be achieved using a commercial helium isotope mass spectrometer and special procedures for sample preparation, storage for 3He ingrowth, and 3He transfer from the ingrowth containers into the mass spectrometer. This method allows for measurement with a much higher precision and lower detection limit than is possible with counting techniques. Additionally, the parameters and blanks in routine operation of the system are discussed.