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.