RADIATION ISOTOPES APPLICATION DIVISION

Introduction

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) established the Radiation & Isotope Applications Division (RIAD) at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad in 1972. RIAD comprises of six sections: 

This Division, since its inception, is applying nuclear techniques to solve a variety of problems in the above mentioned fields. In addition to this, RIAD also extends expert services to solve relevant problems faced by the industrial sector and different organizations. RIAD has now developed one of the most efficient and capable analytical facilities for isotope analyses in the region achieving international standards and has earned international recognition. Isotope hydrology laboratories at RIAD are now considered to be among the leading laboratories of international repute which are taking part in IAEA’s program of inter-calibration of standards in hydrology, biology and agriculture since 1980. Using isotope and radiation techniques, RIAD can provide expertise and services in the following areas of research:

Isotope Hydrology

Environmental Pollution

Non-Destructive Testing

Industrial Applications

Life Sciences

Isotope Geology

Facilities and Techniques

  1. Mass Spectrometer Laboratory

This laboratory consists of four gas source mass spectrometers and related sample preparation systems for stable isotope analysis of C, H, N, O & S. These facilities are used for R & D work and service analysis in the fields of hydrology, geology, environment, agriculture and medicine.

VG Sira-Series II

Mass Spectrometer VG Sira-Series II Coupled with Nitrogen Analyzer

S-34/S-32 Analysis

Mass Spectrometer for 34S/32S Analysis

 

  1. Radioisotope Hydrology Laboratory

Atomic absorption spectrophotometer is used to measure the concentrations of different cations (down to ppb levels) in hydrological and environmental samples. Concentrations of different anions are measured with microprocessor ion analyzer using respective ion selective probes. Analytical facilities are used to assess the water quality for various purposes, pollution monitoring of water bodies, identification of source of groundwater salinization, etc.

Microprocessor Ion Analyzer

Microprocessor Ion Analyzer

This system is used to enrich the tritium content of water sample to improve the accuracy, precision and reliability of subsequent analysis.

This system is used for synthesis of benzene from carbon content of hydrological, geological and archaeological samples. Benzene is then counted for measurement of radiocarbon (14C) activity which assists in determining the age of these samples.

With the help of this computer controlled system, aquifer parameters (groundwater flow velocity, porosity and permeability) and seepage losses from canals are determined using radioactive tracer by single well point dilution technique.

Tritium and C-14 activities in different samples are measured with the help of this instrument. Tritium and C-14 analysis of water samples facilitates dating of groundwater, identification of groundwater recharge, groundwater movements and its residence time.

Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer

Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer

  1. Environment Research Laboratory

Total Carbon Monitor (TCM-480) is used for the analysis of Total Carbon/Total Organic Carbon in aqueous samples. It is coupled with a DP 200-PRC data processor.

TECOMB-3000 Environmental Gas Analyzer is a portable equipment for the simultaneous measurement of 16 toxic gases (such as: O2, CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2, H2, SO2, H2S, HCl, Cl2, HC, HCN, CH4, NH3, HF) and temperature in urban and industrial environments. The detection limit of the analyzer is 0.1 % for O2, N2O, CO2 and 0.1 ppm for all other gases. The equipment is highly suitable for the monitoring of industrial flue gases and may also be used for monitoring of vehicle exhaust emission, waste dump gases and laboratory experiments involving gas mixtures.

  1. Radiography Laboratory

The laboratory is equipped with 300 KV X-Ray machine which is used for the inspection of industrial components and products. The machine can be used for the radiography of upto two inches thick steel weldments and castings etc.

The ultrasonic laboratory is equipped with USM-2 flaw detector, magnetic particle and penetrant testing equipment. The ultrasonic flaw detector is used for measuring the plate thickness, detection of flaws in welds and castings etc. 

The computerized tomography (CT) equipment is used for the development of computer programmes for the data acquisition and reconstruction of images from projections.

Computerized Tomography 

Computerized Tomography

Radioisotope gamma sources are used for the inspection and evaluation of defects and flaws in thick walled weldments and costing etc. Co-60 gamma radiography projector is used for examination of 50-185 mm thick steel parts and assemblies etc.

  1. Radioisotope Applications in Industry

The processes in industry can be studied by the introduction of a radioactive tracer in the system and its external monitoring with a detector. The data response of the detector can be transmitted to a microcomputer for on-line analysis, storage.

Paper Thickness Measurement

Paper thickness is being measured

 and controlled by a radioisotope

based thickness guage in a

 local industry

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