'What we have done is revolutionized the interface between the laboratory and the nuclear utility,' said Keith Jeter, Lab Manager, Knoxville Labs.
Jeter is referring to the Lab's automation of data, from sample collection through the completion of the Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) report for the REMP program. It is a process that begins with customized service.
'We're not providing a one-size-fits-all solution,' Jeter commented. 'We tailor every program to match the specific needs of the utility and offer standardization of the final REMP reports for fleet clients.'
The Process
The first step in the process is for The Knoxville Lab to meet with the utility and the sampling team to determine the requirements and define the product. Since the program manager at a power station is the one responsible for implementing sampling and analysis programs, he is usually the one who sets the goals for the product.
Common goals shared by the sampler, the utility, and the laboratory are to eliminate transcription and calculation errors, standardize paperwork, and move to an electronic transfer of data.
'We look at the existing chain of custody (COC) form and see how we would modify it,' Jeter said.
Jeter begins with an examination of the paper workflow. The sample collection form is standardized based on criteria from the utility program manager and sampling company manager. Headings are standardized so the form is the same every time.
Once the data has been entered electronically into the standardized form, it is e-mailed to The Knoxville Lab's secure database, where it is automatically downloaded into the Lab's database. Since there is no need to manually re-enter the data into the database, time is saved, and errors are virtually eliminated. This also allows the laboratory to store information required by the client, but not necessarily required by the laboratory.
Based on the metrics from the utility, the data is parsed and analysis made. The utility receives a receipt acknowledgement via e-mail.
Once the samples are analyzed, the program accesses the information in the Labs' Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), calculates the results, and transfers them electronically into the database. A report is generated and forwarded electronically to a secure website or by mail to the utility. Electronic deliverables (EDIs) are also available that contain not only the laboratory generated data, but all the client information stored in LIMS at login.
Automated REMP Report
The Knoxville Lab has also automated the annual REMP report. LIMS retrieves the power generating station's data and sorts it by table types. Again, hand-entry errors are virtually eliminated in the tables. A single report is generated using a variety of formats and then automatically paginated. The first draft of the annual REMP report is a complete report (text, tables, graphs, maps, etc.) in PDF format delivered to the client electronically by the end of February. This gives the client plenty of time to review and revise the report prior to submittal to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The Knoxville Lab's automation process brings nuclear environmental monitoring into the 21st century. One sampling company reported saving 50% in sampling hours using the automated process. A utility saved 108 man-hours. The Lab noted a 75% time reduction at login using electronic file transfers. This is clearly a process that benefits the utility, the sampling company, and the analysis lab.
'There is no room for error in this business,' added Jeter. 'The time and dollar savings are very attractive. But most important is the increased confidence we have in our reports. We know we have done all we can to keep them accurate. Peoples' health and lives depend on our diligence.'
