About This Project

Beryllium Contamination Monitor

HRI has developed a novel protocol for determining the level of surface and airborne beryllium dust contamination for Cameco Fuel Manufacturing, the largest Canadian fabricator of in-core nuclear reactor components. The protocol is based on previously published research and has been specially adapted to the Cameco environment. The technique involves novel Be-fluorescent chemicals whose degree of fluorescence is measured by a fluorometer, a process taking much less time and equipment than the previous method of analysis (Flame Atomic Absorption). This analytical protocol, when installed in Cameco offices, will assure the personnel are not subject to toxic Be dust above regulatory guidelines.