222-S Laboratory Analyses and Other Capabilities

Inorganic Analysis

Using an array of sample preparation techniques and analytical instrumentation, ATL’s 222-S Laboratory processes samples and characterizes and quantifies complex inorganic species in a variety of media, including highly radioactive samples (e.g., Hanford Site tank waste), environmental media (e.g., contaminated groundwater and soils), and nuclear materials.

Key inorganic analyses include:

• Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma/Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP/AES)
  
• Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for metals and selected radionuclides with an available reactor chamber
  
• Ion Chromatography (IC) for routine anions and cations (e.g., ammonium, fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate, and low molecular weight organic anions such as formate, oxalate, and acetate)
  
• Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption (CVAA) for mercury
  
• Furnace and Chemical Oxidation for total carbon, total inorganic carbon, and total organic carbon
  
• Spectrophotometric, Ion Selective Electrode, and Titration Analyses for cyanide, sulfide, hexavalent chromium, caustic demand, free hydroxide, etc.
  
• Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
  
• Gravimetric tests such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
  
• Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis
  
• Microwave digestion and analytical methods for analyzing IH Beryllium samples to meet DOE detection limits
• Expanded capabilities with installation of a new Laser Ablation ICP-MS

Organic Analysis

ATL analyzes Hanford High Level Radioactive Waste for the presence of organic compounds.

Our organic laboratory is equipped with:

• Continuous Liquid-Liquid Extractors
• Automated Solvent Extractors
• Soxhlet Extractors
• Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometers for semi-volatile analysis
• Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer with EI/CI capabilities
• Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometers/ Purge & Trap for volatile analysis
• Gas Chromatographs with electron capture detectors and a Flame Ionization Detector

Radiochemistry Analysis

Radiochemistry’s analytical scope spans a range of matrices from highly complex materials through low level environmental samples. Additionally, analysis supports building operations and site emergency response.

Key Radiochemistry analyses include:

• Alpha Emission Analysis used for Alpha Spectroscopy on liquid and solid matrix samples. The detector accommodates 1-inch disks/filters, evaporated samples in 2-inch planchets, and 2-inch air filters. Count times are routinely 8 hours.
• Liquid Scintillation Counting counts samples in 22 ml vials for 50 minutes.
• Gas Proportional Counting is used for Alpha/Beta Screening Analyses (AT/TB). Evaporated liquids and filters nominal 2-inch and 5-inch planchets are accommodated. Normal count times are 30 minutes.
• Gamma Emission Analysis is used for Gamma Spectroscopy on liquid and solid matrix samples with up to 500 ml sample sizes and filter media. Normal count times are 150 minutes.

Hot Cells

The 222-S Laboratory houses 11 hot cells equipped with master slave manipulators. Four of the hot cells support many of the process and method development programs that Hanford has been involved in over the years. The 11A hot cells were fabricated and installed in 1994. They are unique in that operations can occur on both sides of the large hot cells, as they are centrally located in a large room with work stations on both sides.

The hot cells are equipped with:

• ½-ton chain-fall to move shielded containers
• Extruders to remove tank material for core samplers
• Special airlock door and thru-tube penetration to load-in radioactive samples
• Storage trays and bins to store and archive samples
• Equipment supply tube to transfer small lab supplies into the hot cells
• Interior tunnel to transfer samples between large and small hot cells
• Specially designed sample canisters to ship and handle hot samples
• Space/configuration to demonstrate “hot” pilot testing of new technologies

Standards Laboratory

Standards and reagents for the Hanford Site are purchased through or prepared at the 222-S Standards Laboratory. The Standards Laboratory is a stand-alone building equipped with an independent air supply, exhaust system and a reverse-osmosis water system. A wide variety of equipment (e.g., desiccators, ovens, freezers, and refrigerators) is available for proper chemical storage. Laboratory hoods are available for use when preparing standards and reagents requiring adequate ventilation. The Standards Laboratory staff also have several locations within the 222-S Laboratory to prepare radioactive standards and spikes with activities in the microcurie range. The ATL staff also implements a chemical management system and chemical hygiene program for the 222-S Lab and supports other Hanford contractors.