A sequential inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) was procured in 1983 for use on solutions from leach tests of fully loaded spent fuel and glass. The instrument was set up by Westinghouse Hanford Co. in a 3 by 6-m (10 by 20-ft) laboratory room in a radiochemistry building at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory.

The installation was designed to be as simple as possible, making full use of the building's exhaust and filtration capabilities. Previous experience in using a standard flame photometer and an atomic absorption spectrometer had shown that total enclosure of the plasma section should not be required.

This rather simple installation has been used for over two years without contamination of the ICP-AES or the laboratory work areas. Details of the installation, operation, and types of materials analyzed are presented.