Rapid Beryllium Analysis to Expedite Decontamination

C56-24a-273660Personnel exposure to beryllium during DOE decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) activities is a health risk. Beryllium is a known human carcinogen and can lead to berylliosis or chronic beryllium disease. Present laboratory-based analytical technologies for measuring beryllium contamination do not provide real-time analysis required to effectively protect workers at DOE D&D sites. Show proof that a LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) instrument can be developed for real-time beryllium measurements by EH&S personnel with the same level of confidence that exists with the current laboratory analysis. The practical aspects of having a real time analysis capability is one of the most significant advantages of this approach allowing the EH&S personnel to run the analyses according to the current field work priorities. Demonstrate that an advanced LIBS instrument with can satisfy the requirements for beryllium analysis to support DOE D&D activities. Work with ORNL and UCOR to establish instrument sensitivity that meets the current 0.2 microgram/100cm2 regulation and establish sampling methodology for confidence when directly sampling swipes. Investigate new sampling protocol as alternative to ghost wipes. Phase I will demonstrate that the technology is suitable for screening (provide a Go/No-Go identifier for the presence of Be with respect to the regulation level) and Phase II, will establish metrics for quantitative analysis of beryllium on the swipes and validation. A field LIBS instrument that can be operated by trained EH&D personnel will eliminate the bottleneck of laboratory beryllium analysis ensuring safety for facility personnel, increase analysis throughput, decrease cost per sample, and expedite D&D activities. Such an instrument will serve the greater Be hazards analysis community by addressing the BHSC (Beryllium Health & Safety Commission) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) requirements for all sites containing Be. The technology/instrument will measure other hazards related to decommissioning and environmental contamination, critical materials, and facility contamination during advanced manufacturing. As the USA ramps up mining, processing and manufacturing, real-time measurements will be needed to ensure environmental and worker safety.