TRANSPORT OF TC-99M ACROSS TBP-KEROSENE OIL SUPPORTED LIQUID MEMBRANES

Transport of Tc-99m across tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) kerosene oil sup ported liquid membranes (SLM) has been studied under various condition s. Presence of dichromate ions helps avoid activity scavenging effects . Concentration increase of TBP, the complexing carrier used in the pr esent study has a positive effect on flux (J) and permeability (P) of these ions, as up to 2.87M there is an increase in J and P values. HCl concentration in the feed solution increases J and P with their maxim um values at 2.5-3.0M HCl in the feed. Above this concentration there is a decrease in flux and permeability of Tc-99m(VII) ions. The given ions are stripped with LiCl or NaCl solutions but more with NaOH. The optimum conditions of transport of the given ions are 2.5M HCl concent ration in the feed, 2.87M TBP concentration in the membrane and IM NaO H concentration in the strip solution. Equations have been developed t o indicate the relation between flux, J, viscosity eta of TBP in organ ic membrane phase, temperature, T, [H+], in the aqueous feed solutions and Tc ion concentration in the feed solution. Based on P, the values determined from liquid membrane experiments, the quantitative flux va lues of Tc(VII) ions were also determined as a function of TBP concent ration in the membranes, and HCl and Tc concentration in the feed solu tion using the given equations. This experimental technique provides q uantitative results from trace level activity transfer experiments.