Modification of a commercially available ICP for application to radioactive analyses

Many factors must be considered when choosing a commercially available ICP for application to radioactive remote glove box operations. The sample/radiation containment part of the system is to be a lead-lined glove box with relatively thick leadlined gloves. Consequently, all source stand maintenance and sample handling will have to be conducted at considerably reduced operator dexterity. The less physical operator input that is required for routine maintenance and analyses, the better. Two major points need to be addressed in setting minimum design criteria for the glove box: confinement of the radiation, to help keep operator radiation exposure levels as low as possible; and confinement of the radionuclides.