OUR RESEARCH FACILITIES
ICENS in-house analytical facilities focus on inorganic chemistry. When necessary we also carry out non-fuel organic chemical analysis in collaboration with other UWI Departments. Our laboratories are in process of gaining ISO 17025 accreditation and are profiled briefly below. ICENS carries out analyses on a commercial basis and enquiries regarding services can be addressed to icens@uwimona.edu.jm
Samples in solution are analysed in this laboratory and as such, solids must either be extracted or dissolved, as appropriate. The typically requires the use of concentrated acid mixtures.
ICENS operates two very powerful complementary nuclear techniques, Neutron Activation Analysis and X-Ray Fluorescence which provide enormous analytical power for a wide range of elements.
The Department of Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security, formally the TLD department, was conceived out of the need to monitor ICENS personnel following the commissioning of SLOWPOKE-2 Research Reactor in 1984. The department has expanded and now offers radiation safety services commercially. These include: personnel dosimetry (TLD), surveys and swipe testing and education and training.
Technical Characteristics:
The Jamaican SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor (JM-1) is a pool type reactor, designed by the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL). It is fuelled by approximately 6 kg of uranium enriched to 19.86% 235U and has a nominal thermal power rating of 20 kW when operating at full power. JM-1 was commissioned in 1984 and is located at the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS). The reactor is owned and operated by the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus and is primarily used for neutron activation analysis of trace elements in studies related to health, the environment and agriculture as well as in education and training. The reactor staff consists of 7 persons including the Reactor Manager, the head of the Head of the Nuclear Analytical Laboratory, The Radiation Safety and Security Officer, the Quality Manager and three other reactor operators.
