Hot lab design

[Lester.Slaback@nist.gov]

Please direct your replies to Dick.  He is not on this list.
Thanks.

Dear colleagues,

NIST soon plans to renovate its neutron activation laboratories at the
Reactor for sample irradiations and intermediate-level radiochemistry, for
the first time since they were installed in the 1960s. I would be grateful
to receive any suggestions from others' recent experience of things to do
(or not to do) to insure the most cost-effective approach to experimental
flexibility and radiological health. Stories of the "glad we did" or "wish
we had" genre are welcome, as are references to publications.

We have a shifting mix of resident staff and visiting scientists and
students, doing INAA and RNAA at the 20-MW NBSR. There are several
pneumatic tubes, but no hot cell. Manipulations for irradiation, unpacking
rabbits, and warm chemistry are done in radiochemical-grade hoods.
Short-lived activation products (down to 2-min Al-28) are measured with
several detectors in the room next to the rabbit terminals.

If your suggestions are used, you will be invited to the inauguration
ceremony. (This is a safe offer, since we always welcome visitors.)

Regards,

Richard M. (Dick) Lindstrom
Nuclear Methods Group
Analytical Chemistry Division
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Paleomail: B125 Reactor Building
           Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
Fax:       301-208-9279
Phone:     301-975-6281
Alternate e-mail:  Richard.Lindstrom@nist.gov




-----------------------------------------------------
 -- End of forwarded message
-----------------------------------------------------
-- 
the above are the personal musing of the author,
and do not represent any past, current, or future
position of NIST, the U.S. Government, or anyone else
who might think that they are in a position of authority.
NBSR Health Physics
NIST
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
301 975-5810
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lester.Slaback@nist.gov
-----------------------------------------------------------