All cells have a walk-in door and a sampling window opening. Highly radioactive samples can be introduced via carriers through 6-in diameter ceiling holes.
All cells operate at negative pressure compared to the surrounding laboratories.
These cells were designed and used to conduct studies on kilogram quantities of irradiated LWR fuel containing up to 500 Ci Cs137. The walk-in doors and abundance of cell penetrations have made these cells invaluable to fission product release tests and more recently to Tank Waste Treatment studies. These cells are maintained at a very low contamination level, which allows manned entry for equipment setup and maintenance once sources are removed. This is a unique situation among most hot cell facilities. Recent activities in these cells are directly tied to the treatment of the liquid and sludge contained in the underground radioactive waste storage tanks.