Safeguards Analytical Laboratory

Isotopic Analyses Unit

Mechanical Workshop

Parts for the automated U-titrator produced in the SAL mechanical workshop

The mechanical workshop is also a very important part of SAL. The needs of a laboratory dealing with radioactive materials, like the elements Uranium, Plutonium and with fission products require special precautions. These materials can be handled only in glove boxes, to dissolve them it is often necessary to use corrosive chemicals. Therefore it is often necessary to produce analytical equipment constructed of inert (plastic) materials, which cannot be purchased from commercial suppliers. In addition the need of the analyst to change or to design special equipment leads to production of special equipment in the mechanical workshop. The major tools equiping the mechanical workshop consist of a lathe, a mill, a cutting saw and a drill.