Eichrom, the first company in France to be accredited for measurement of radioactivity in concrete

Eichrom, the first company in France to be accredited for measurement of radioactivity in concrete

Since October 2011, Eichrom has been the first laboratory in France to obtain Cofrac accreditation for the measurement of gamma radiation through concrete. This test meets the need for reliable measurements for companies working in the nuclear industry, particularly during the decommissioning of power plants.

The work requires the analysis of large quantities of concrete from buildings so that they can be sent to the appropriate sector i.e. storage centres for conventional or radioactive waste. By analysing the concrete, it is also possible to minimise costs since storage in a conventional centre is much less expensive than storage in a radioactive confinement centre. The teams from Eichrom can determine the activity, in the concrete, of manmade radioactive substances such as caesium or cobalt and natural substances such as uranium or thorium. Samples are tested within two to four weeks depending on contract requirements. The current decommissioning of reactors and research laboratories in France and the decision by Germany and Belgium to “exit” the nuclear industry suggest that there will be an increasing number of concrete samples requiring analysis.
Every year, Eichrom Europe conducts more than 40,000 analyses on all types of substances e.g. water, environmental samples, foodstuffs etc. They forecast turnover of approximately 1.2 million euros in 2011, 25% of it from the export market. This represents a two-digit growth for the third consecutive year.
To assist its development, the company, which works from the Rennes Atalante Ker Lann site in Bruz near Rennes, is currently increasing its work force by recruiting technical and sales staff.

Laboratoires Eichrom Europe - Rennes Atalante Ker Lann
Director : Patrice Letessier
Creation : 2004
Turnover 2011 (prev.) : 1,2 M€ 
Local staff : 13