The study of the flame photometric method for determining the concentration of tributylphosphate (TBP) in a hydrocarbon diluent was undertaken because it showed promise of being economically competitive and subject to fewer interferences than the existing methods. The determination of TBP in the hydrocarbon solutions throughout the range 0.01 to 80 per cent TBP may be performed using the flame photometer. The principal conclusions resulting from the study found a that there was higher precision in the one to two percent TBP rang than the 45 per cent TBP level due to error in reproducing narrow slit width in the higher range, 2) nitric acid, uranyl nitrate, and thorium nitrate all interfere if present but can be eliminated by contacting the solution with water or sodium carbonate solution. 3) a single determination may be made in 15 minutes, multiple determinations can be made at a rate of one to two minutes per determination, and 4) a modification of an existing method makes possible the application of this method to the determination of TBP dissolved in aqueous samples. A relative precision of plus of minus five per cent (95 per cent confidence level) is obtained.

The Hanford Remote Pipetter has developed into a very useful tool for routine pipetting by semi-skilled non-technical personnel. Radiation exposure to the operators has decreased to normal background levels as proper shielding exists between the sample and the operator. The results achieved by the pipetter have demonstrated its flexibility and simplicity of operation.