Quick Answer
Iodine Air Systems sells a cyclohexane test system that lets you check nuclear activated carbon without radioactive methyl iodide. Few companies offer this equipment. It is supplied as a package: the test system, a starter consumables kit, methyl iodide reference testing of your samples on our own methyl iodide test rig, and operator training. The cyclohexane method is for screening, batch quality control, surveillance and research; it is not a substitute for ASTM D3803 where NRC compliance is required.
Why a Non-Radioactive Method
The reference test for nuclear carbon challenges a sample with methyl iodide (CH₃I) at high humidity. Running it is hard for most organizations:
- Radioactive tracer: tests with ¹³¹I-labelled methyl iodide need a radioactive-materials licence, an isotope supply, a controlled laboratory and radioactive waste disposal.
- Toxic chemical: even non-radioactive methyl iodide is toxic and hard to buy, store and ship across borders.
- Few laboratories: only a small number of labs worldwide run the test, so samples travel far and wait in a queue.
The cyclohexane method avoids all three. Cyclohexane is a common, non-radioactive laboratory chemical, so your staff can test carbon on their own schedule without radiological controls. For the background, read our cyclohexane vs methyl iodide comparison.
The Test System
| Test medium | Cyclohexane vapor (non-radioactive) |
| Test chambers | Adsorbent testing chamber (carbon samples) · Air filter testing chamber |
| Construction | Mobile stainless-steel unit with flexible duct connections |
| Controls | Flow controls, pressure gauges, digital readout |
| Radioactive sources / methyl iodide | None required |
| Detailed specifications | Test-condition range, sample size, utilities and footprint in the specification sheet |
What the Package Includes
One order, a complete carbon testing capability
- Cyclohexane test system — built to order and configured for your samples.
- Starter consumables kit — sample holders, seals and spare parts for the first months of testing; contents listed in the quotation. Reference carbon is available from our radioiodine activated carbon in 50 L drums.
- Methyl iodide reference testing — we test a set of your samples on our own methyl iodide test rig, so you can relate your cyclohexane results to methyl iodide removal efficiency. More samples at any time through our carbon testing service.
- Operator training — test procedure, data evaluation and routine maintenance.
Cyclohexane reagent: buy analytical-grade cyclohexane from a local laboratory supplier. It is a flammable liquid and is not practical to ship internationally with the equipment.
What It Can and Cannot Replace
| Screening new carbon and batch quality control | Yes |
| Finding depleted carbon in service before change-out | Yes |
| Research, product development and teaching | Yes |
| Measuring the impregnant's reaction with methyl iodide | No — use methyl iodide reference testing |
| ASTM D3803 results for US NRC-licensed power plants | No — the NRC does not accept cyclohexane as a substitute |
That is why the package combines the cyclohexane system with methyl iodide reference testing: routine checks in your lab, methyl iodide data when you need it.
Who Uses It
- Activated carbon and adsorber manufacturers — check every batch before shipment.
- Nuclear medicine departments and radiopharmacies — check exhaust carbon without handling another radioactive material.
- Research institutes and universities — adsorbent research and student laboratories.
- Nuclear facilities and new nuclear programs — routine surveillance checks between methyl iodide tests.
- Filter manufacturers and service companies — incoming inspection and testing services for their own customers.
The system contains no radioactive sources and needs no methyl iodide. Any export or import licensing that applies to your country is confirmed in writing before the contract.
Request the Specification Sheet & Quote
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Related
Need results without buying equipment? Send samples to our carbon testing service. Replacement carbon, adsorbers and HEPA filters are on our consumables page. For change-out criteria see the carbon filter replacement guide.
Build Your Own Carbon Testing Capability
Tell us what you test and how often — we send the specification sheet and a package quotation.