Comprehensive Services and Fast, Efficient Reponse

In-depth knowledge and broad-based capabilities

Kinectrics Inc. offers extensive experience in the characterization of radioactive materials and deposits (including steam generator deposits) from various sources at nuclear facilities. Accurate deposit characterization requires a variety of laboratory instruments for both radiochemical and conventional measurements. The broad-based, well-equipped nature of Kinectrics’ laboratories allows us to respond quickly and efficiently in carrying out this work.

Complete lab facilities

Kinectrics Radioactive Materials Laboratory (approximately 450 sq. m.) is a new facility designed and built specifically to handle radioactive materials. Kinectrics can readily handle most samples with dose rates up to 1R/h. Samples with higher dose rates can also be accepted, but require prior arrangements.

Adaptable workstations and specifically segregated areas for different work activities (e.g. sample preparation, counting or measurement, waste handling) ensure maximum efficiency and prevent cross contamination. Our radioactive materials laboratory permits radiochemical measurements on inactive samples as well as conventional measurements on radioactive materials.

Kinectrics laboratory facilities contain conventional as well as radiochemical measurement instruments.

Radiochemistry:

• Gamma spectrometer with hyperpure ge detector coupled with commercial software
• Liquid scintillation counters
• Alpha spectrometer
• Low Level beta counter

Conventional Instruments:

• X-ray fluorometer (Oxford). This unit can handle samples up to 2 mR/h without saturating the detector. Elements with atomic number >11 can be determined.

• X-ray diffractometer (Philips). Samples with activity ~10mR/h can be analyzed. ICDD database is used for phase identification.

• ICP-MS (PE-Sciex) Elan 6100. Most elements present in a reactor environment can be measured. This instrument can analyze highly active samples (~100mR/h).

• Several optical microscopes for magnifications up to 1280X.

• Other instruments in the radioactive area include:
  • Ion chromatographs
  • Gas chromatographs
  • Atomic absorption spectrometer (flame and graphite furnace)
  • FTIR

SEM:

The SEM is located in a laboratory adjacent to the radioactive area and samples can be ‘fixed’ and analyzed by SEM.

Radioactive facilities accreditation and ISO certification

Kinectrics’ laboratory is licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and can handle samples with activity with medium gamma fields. Our license limits are 150 GBq for radioisotopes of atomic number <89 (fission and activation products) and 40 MBq of radioisotopes with atomic number >89 (Actinide isotopes).

Kinectrics’ laboratory is accredited for gamma spectrometry, C-14, H-3 and Sr-90 measurements in environmental samples by the Standards Council of Canada and the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories (ISO17025). In addition, Kinectrics Inc. is registered under the ISO 9001 quality system.

Qualified scientists and professional staff

Kinectrics’ laboratory staff consists of a number of highly qualified scientists and technicians. Scientists typically hold doctoral degrees in chemistry, and have 20 years experience in chemical measurements relating to the Utility and other industries. In addition to several years of experience, all technical personnel hold university degrees or community college diplomas.

For more information, contact

Surrinder Sood, 416.207.6000 x6587, surrinder.sood@kinectrics.com