LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
KEY FACILITIES
Radiochemistry and Hot Cell Facility
The TA-48 Radiochemistry and Hot-Cell Facility is known as the "Radiochemical Laboratory" or "Radiochemistry Site." The facility originally provided radiochemical analysis support to nuclear weapons testing, research and development, evaluation of samples collected from a variety of environmental sources, and nuclear medicine production activities. Uses of TA-48 have included (1) continue to analyze nuclear test debris samples; (2) provide radiochemical analysis support to evaluate samples collected from the various candidate repository sites for high-level radioactive waste, and more recently, the Yucca Mountain Site; (3) develop advanced nuclear chemistry technology; and (4) perform nuclear medicine research and production activities. The primary work at TA-48 is the separation and packaging of medical radioisotopes.TA-48 is part of LANL's Chemistry Division. As of 2008, the plan is to tarnsform TA-48 into a modern radiological research facility.
Building RC-1 (the main facility) provides laboratories, an alpha facility, counting room, hot cells and storage of nuclear test debris samples. Building RC-8 houses the isotope separation operations. Building RC-28 houses the laser laboratory and water sample analysis operations. Building RC-45 houses the Advanced Weapons Radiochemical Diagnostics Facility. Building RC-46 houses the x-ray diffraction unit used in analysis of natural rock samples.
On January 23, 2008, TA-48-1 hot cell operations were suspended for equipment repair and installation of personnel warning devices following the failure of an air compressor that caused an air-flow reversal so contaminated air from the hot cells went into a personnel-occupied area.
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