Robotic nuclear sample management

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6778331

Hollen, R M; Beugelsdijk, T J; Temer, D J; Hopkins, V A

The Analytical Chemistry Group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory processes in excess of 4000 plutonium metal samples each year. Depending on what specific elements are to be determined, each sample must be cut into fractions for distribution to the various task areas for specific analyses in areas such as mass spectrometry. A unique laboratory automation system has been developed based on a commercially available Zymate II robot. The robot consists of a central arm that operates in a hollow cylindrical work envelop and has four degrees of freedom. Accessible to the arm are standard Zymark laboratory stations, which include an analytical balance, a reagent dispensing station, a capping station, and vial racks. Custom stations designed and constructed by an in-house robotics group for corrosive environments include a vial capping station, a pipette tip shucker, and a vial dispenser. Initial reliability testing is currently in progress. Copper metal samples are being used in lieu of plutonium to identify areas in which mechanical adjustments are needed or in which the software needs modification. The system is projected to be commissioned during January 1988. Future plane include the addition of capabilities to accommodate plutonium oxide samples.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6778331
• Report Number(s): CONF-8711195-; TRN: 88-033996
• Journal Information: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 55; Conference: American Nuclear Society winter meeting, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 15 Nov 1987
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
ROBOTS
USES
ACCURACY
CORROSION
LASL
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
RADIATION PROTECTION
RELIABILITY
SAMPLE PREPARATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
SPECTROSCOPY
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
420203* - Engineering- Handling Equipment & Procedures