World Metrology Day 2024 – Metrology for Sustainability

May 20 is World Metrology Day, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention back in 1875. The theme for 2024 is Metrology for Sustainability, reflecting the way that traceable and accurate measurement is a key enabler for a sustainable growth.

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming workshop on Metrology for Sustainability. This year, the workshop is organised by SMD FOD Economie in partnership with SCK CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre) and it will be held on May 24, 2024, from 9h00 to 17h00 at the Lakehouse of SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium.  

A visit of four laboratories related to dosimetry and radioactivity measurements will take place in the afternoon. The laboratory visit requires registration before 26 April 2024.

The poster session is open to presentations of experimental techniques, data acquisition, sensors, applications related to the leading topic of sustainability. If you would like to contribute with a poster please indicate it in the registration form.

The workshop will focus on the role of metrology in enabling sustainable development and the circular economy. It will feature presentations and discussions on how the Belgian network of national standards laboratories realize today’s references and what we are putting in place for tomorrow. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to engage in discussions and exchange knowledge with other stakeholders.

The draft workshop agenda is detailed here. You can register to the event through this link. Participation is free. Don’t forget to mention if you would like to visit the laboratories (registration deadline is 26 April 2024).

We look forward to your participation in this important event!

Venue: Lakehouse of SCK CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre), Boeretang 201, Mol 2400, Belgium.  The Lakehouse is accessible for general public. The laboratory visits need access to restricted areas. Free public parking is available on site. Information on how to reach SCK CEN site can be found here: https://www.sckcen.be/en/contact/how-get-sck-cen-mol.  

Description of the laboratories:

• Laboratory for Nuclear Calibrations (LNK) The Laboratory for Nuclear Calibrations (LNK) provides accurate and consistent calibrations of dosemeters and irradiations of samples assuring the traceability of the measurements to the international standards. LNK is the Designated Institute (DI) for the metrology of ionising radiation in Belgium. It maintains and develops standards for metrology of ionizing radiations and contributes to the dissemination of the international standard units to the end users. LNK offers calibrations and irradiations with γ-rays, X-rays, neutrons (²⁵²Cf, Am-Be) and β-particles.  It also offers the calibration of ionisation chambers for radiotherapy (Farmer type chambers) and nuclear medicine (radionuclide calibrators) departments of hospitals. A new building dedicated only to LNK, with modern equipment is in use since 2021. https://www.sckcen.be/en/calibrations
• Low-level Radioactivity Measurements laboratories (LRM) The Low-level Radioactivity Measurements laboratories employ advanced radiometric methods to analyze radioactivity, including gamma-ray spectrometry, alpha particle spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting, and gross alpha and beta counting utilizing ZnS and proportional counters. Additionally, we employ emanometry for precise determination of ²²²Rn and ²²⁶Ra at minimal levels in liquid samples. Equipped with cutting-edge sample dissolution and radiochemistry separation techniques, our laboratories ensure accurate analysis across various matrices. Most of our analyses hold ISO 17025 accreditation. Our services primarily focus on environmental radioactivity monitoring, radiotoxicological assessments, waste product and radioactive effluent analysis, NORM evaluation, as well as food, feed, and research project analyses. https://www.sckcen.be/en/LRM
• Personal Dosimetry laboratory (DOS) Strengthened by our research group, the Dosimetry Laboratory (DOS) offers services for both SCK CEN and external companies like hospitals, veterinary practices, industrial companies,…. The laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and approved by FANC as official dosimetry service. The services include the offer of personal dosimeters for the measurement of H_p(10) and H_p(0.07) for exposed workers as well as ring dosemeters, eye lens dosemeters and environmental dosemeters. Techniques in use are thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence as well as direct ion storage technology. https://www.sckcen.be/en/expertises/health/dosimetry
• Anthropogammametry laboratory (AGM) is monitoring the internal contaminations by gamma-ray spectrometry. Workers are requested to be measured at a frequency depending on their activities and an associated risk analysis. Appropriate detectors (NaI and HPGe) installed in five dedicated low background measurement rooms form a unique infrastructure in Belgium for the direct measurement of internal contaminations. Whole Body Counting, Lung Counting or the measurement of thyroid activity is done in routine for SCK CEN as well as for external customers.