Thermogravimetric Analysis and Mass Spectrometer in Savannah River National Laboratory GB-49CX(s) Applied: B3.6Date: 03/22/2011Location(s): Aiken, South CarolinaOffice(s): Environmental Management, Savannah River Operations Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
March 22, 2011
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CX(s) Applied: B3.6
Date: 03/22/2011
Location(s): Aiken, South Carolina
Office(s): Environmental Management, Savannah River Operations Office
A thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) combined with a mass spectrometer (MS) are located in 773-A, C-154/158. The TGA unit is installed inside an active glove box (GB-49) that serves as radiological containment and is vented to the 773-A offgas exhaust system. The MS unit is located under GB-49 and pulls a small sample of gas from the TGA off-gas for analysis of volatile species like water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, etc., that are formed during thermal treatment or decomposition of TGA samples. The MS exhaust vents into GB-49. Standard powder materials used (in 1 gram aliquots) to verify instrument operation include gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O), calcium oxalate, sodium bicarbonate, sand, hydrated salts, etc. Applications include moisture analysis of DOE-STD-3013 materials stored in K-Area. Most waste generated is disposed of as transuranic Waste.