Technical description of the radiological safety system for X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments on radioactive samples at the Rossendorf Beamline

The Rossendorf Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is equipped with a unique radiochemistry experimental station. This dedicated station has been designed to perform environmentally relevant experiments on radionuclides, in particular actinides, using synchrotron based X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The technical concepts and the layout of this experimental station, where radioactive solids and liquids with activities of up to 185 MBq can be studied, are presented. The radiological safety of experimenters, equipment, and of the environment are ensured by the specially developed radiochemistry safety system. The multibarrier concept, the ventilation and air monitoring systems, the radiological protection system, and special software components for recording and visualisation of the safety status are described in detail.