Chemical and Physical Analysis Laboratories at JAEC
The chemical and physical analysis laboratories at JAEC provide analytical services to activities associated with JAEC, and more broadly in Jordan. The research labs serve as comprehensive testing service providers, providing access to an extensive dataset of radioisotope analysis in diverse matrices such as soil, food, filters, water, agriculture, sediments, and more. Staffed by experienced and impartial professionals, they are a cornerstone of the uranium exploration and extraction projects in central Jordan, the Jordan Research and Training Reactor and the rare earth elements exploration project. All Labs are accredited by ISO 17025.
The research laboratories are open and accessible, providing training and research development opportunities for both local and international students and researchers. Covering various fields such as radiation physics, medical physics, chemistry, geology, biology, material science, and nuclear measurement techniques, the labs aim to equip individuals with the necessary skills and confidence to work safely in any laboratory setting. The outcomes of research projects conducted in these diverse fields are shared globally through publications in reputable international journals.
The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy laboratory:
The laboratory is equipped with Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence instrument (WDXRF), and a portable XRF from Bruker Germany. These instruments are capable of identifying and quantifying elements by analyzing the characteristic X-rays emitted upon irradiation. They demonstrate the capability to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze for various sample types such as soil, rocks, alloys, and air filters. Samples can be analyzed without any preparation, or for soil samples, they can undergo fusion or be pressed into pellets for analysis.
Gamma spectroscopy laboratory:
High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors with approximantly 50% efficiency are used to detect the presence and quantify the amount of radioactive nuclides by measuring the gamma radiation emitted from the samples.
The energy of the gamma rays detected indicates the type of radioactive nuclide, whereas the frequency of gamma detections correlates with its activity.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratories:
Chemical Laboratories are equipped to carry out all sample preparation for solid and liquid samples. Samples can then be studied by a range of techniques, including inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), flame photometry, and ultra-violet visible absorption spectroscopy. These techniques can be used to determine the concentrations of required elements and compounds according to the desires of customers. In parallel with working to meet customers’ needs.
In addition to the above, these laboratories work to strengthen cooperation with researchers and postgraduate students in various research centers in Jordan by providing them with expertise and technical consultations.
Radiochemistry laboratories:
These laboratories are equipped to detect the alpha or beta emission of radioactive samples. The alpha spectroscopy techniques are specialized in measuring U, Am, Pu and Po isotopes, while gross alpha/beta and beta measurements are used to study isotopes such as Sr-90 and H-3 using liquid scintillation counting.
Examples of the sample types and investigations performed in these laboratories are:
Food and water samples from Jordanian food companies for export or import purposes.
Environmental samples such as soil, air filters and water.
Environmental samples coming from the area within and around Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR), including levels of tritium (3H).
The facility supports the research projects of graduate students across Jordanian universities (e.g. measurement of polonium levels in smoke, honey, fish, and herbal plants), and is also involved in training students from various universities and governmental organizations in Jordan and beyond.
The materials laboratory contains a range of instruments focused on examination of materials behavior, the development of shielding materials for gamma-neutron, the use of Monte-Carlo simulation softwares for nuclear and radiation applications, and the application of non-destructive examination (NDT) techniques.
The lab conducts various tests, including the low-temperature test, the high-pressure test, the vacuum test, liquid nitrogen bubble test, scanning contact potentiometry (SCP) as an NDT technique, and the universal tensile testing machine. The Materials Laboratory is dedicated to advancing knowledge through training and research.