Aiken, S.C. – On Feb. 1, consolidation of the F/H Analytical Laboratory was successfully completed, providing operational cost savings of more than $20 million
The F/H Analytical Laboratory has been providing vital and quality analytical results to support the Savannah River Site in almost every critical mission over the last 60 years. In an effort to close F Area legacy facilities, SRNS and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) began a phased approach in 2015 to close the laboratory and relocate the lab’s capabilities, programs and personnel to the Lab’s main campus. The final phase, which started in late FY18 and included both major and minor lab modifications, was accelerated from five years to less than three and was completed successfully, despite COVID-19 and other competing SRNL priorities.
“The consolidation of F/H Laboratory services has been completed safely in support of the site’s mission to save millions of dollars annually in both facility and analytical cost,” said Woodie Melton, director, Analytical Characterization. “With the establishment of new laboratories and added analytical methods and personnel, the future of SRNL analytical capabilities is stronger and is prepared to generate additional scientific discoveries, aiding in solving problems for both current and future DOE missions.”
As a result of the new lab modifications and method movements several new capabilities have been established:
• Coulometry (Gold standard for Pu measurements)
• Davies-Gray Titrimetric method for uranium concentration
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Isotope Dilution Mass for uranium isotopics
• A new Reagent Preparation Laboratory
• High Precision Density method
• A beryllium method for industrial hygiene support
Future analytical capabilities being established include a High Accuracy Isotope Ratio Measurement laboratory for high precision isotopic measurements and added capabilities to dissolve and prepare plutonium oxide samples for analytical characterization. ISO-17025 accredited methods will also be maintained as a result of this consolidation. The laboratory will also continue to support the Network of Analytical Laboratories and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“I am very proud of SRNL’s efforts to consolidate our analytical methods in A Area,” said Dr. Vahid Majidi, SRNS Executive Vice President and SRNL Director. “This was a significant undertaking on the part of many and will allow us to provide the highest quality analytical services to all of our customers.”
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multiprogram research and development center that puts science to work to protect the nation by providing practical, cost-effective solutions to the nation’s environmental, nuclear security, nuclear materials management, and energy manufacturing challenges
Media contact: SRNL Media Relations