Safeguards Analytical Laboratory
Functions
SAL provides services to the IAEA Department of Safeguards:
Analysis of safeguards inspection samples of nuclear materials:
samples of materials containing fissile isotopes are taken at key measurement points of the nuclear fuel cycle and sent to SAL for destructive chemical and isotopic analysis. This complements physical inspections and measurements performed by IAEA inspectors in nuclear facilities. The goal is to verify that material under Agency safeguards is not diverted for non-peaceful purposes.
Operation of the Clean Laboratory:
as a result of the Iraq crisis, the mandate of the IAEA Safeguards inspectorate has been extended and comprises now also the search for undeclared nuclear activities and the confirmation of their absence. Samples and smears are taken in nuclear facilities and analyzed to search for signatures of undeclared usage of the installations. Environmental samples of water, soil and vegetation are taken to search for traces of actinides indicating the presence and operation of an undeclared nuclear installation in the vicinity. Ultra-sensitive analytical techniques allow the identification and isotopic analysis of femtogram amounts of actinides and thereby the tracking of their origin. "Class 100" clean-room installation allow the manipulation of environmental samples without the hazard of their contamination.
Distribution of safeguards inspection samples:
To accommodate the number of samples to be analyzed and the diversity of analyses requests, SAL works with a network of analytical laboratories (NWAL) worldwide. NWAL's are nominated by Member States. SAL and NWAL's comply with IAEA quality assurance specifications to meet the requirements for safeguards accounting verification.
Characterization of standards and reference materials:
SAL contributes to the preparation of standards for non-destructive analysis and reference materials by performing characterization analyses of nuclear materials in concert with other NWAL's.
Training of safeguards inspectors:
in sample acquisition and handling techniques and in the performance of on-site analytical measurements.
Development, maintenance and support for:
- on-site analytical laboratories
- field-installed
- Method and instrument maintenance and development:
improvement of analytical methods and automation of analytical instruments led to improvements of the accuracy and precision of destructive analytical techniques, increased productivity, simplifications in the procedures for the disposal of radioactive analytical wastes and a significant decrease of their volume.
Organization
The SAL is composed of three major units and three supporting groups:
Determination of the elemental assay of uranium, plutonium and thorium and preparation of samples for isotopic and isotope dilution analysis. The Chemical Analysis Unit operates also the Analytical Services Office, which provides comprehensive management support for the performance of the laboratory work.
Determination of the isotopic composition or uranium and plutonium and determination of their elemental assay and various other actinides by mass-spectrometric, isotope dilution and radiometric techniques. The Isotopic Analysis Unit operates also an electronic and a mechanical workshop, which provide support and services in the construction of specialized analytical instrumentation and the development, improvement and maintenance of installations.
Treatment, analysis and re-distribution of environmental and investigative samples; preparation of quality control samples.
Quality Assurance and Computer Services group:
Operation and maintenance of SAL's quality management system. Review of QC charts. Evaluation of control and routine measurement results and identification and estimation of uncertainty components through application of statistical techniques. Maintenance of the Laboratory Information Management System and SAL's computer network. Software development. The QA and Computer Services Group reports directly to the Head of the Laboratory.
Secretariat and laboratory attendants
Security Guards