LOCATION
Uppsala, Sweden
 

DATES
18-22 May 2026


LANGUAGE
The working language will be English
 

OBJECTIVES
To provide the IMS station operators with the required knowledge and technical understanding of SAUNA III noble gas monitoring systems in order to perform routine operations and maintenance tasks.

AGENDA

I. Introduction on the noble gas system

• SAUNA III system general description 
• SAUNA III software introduction 
• Daily operation of the system
• Non-routine operations and data management
• Installation of authentication, spikes injection

II. SAUNA III Detector System Principles

• Principles of beta-gamma measurement for radioxenon monitoring
• Principles of the SAUNA III spectrometry detection syste
• Energy and GC calibration

III. Preventive maintenance

• Overview of the periodic maintenance operations
• Use of Standard Operational Procedures
• Practical exercises on maintenance operations

IV. Hands on Troubleshooting

• Principles of the SOH data analysis
• Practical exercises on detecting, understanding, and resolution of failures
• Sampling, EV and STU pumps troubleshooting and replacement
• GC and QC feeder troubleshooting and replacement
   

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Invited State Signatories should nominate participant (s) who are station operators involved in the operation and maintenance of the following stations: AUX04, AUX09, BRX11, JPX38, GBX66, MXX44, NZX46, NOX49, SEX63

Applications from other stations using SAUNA equipment may be considered on a space available basis.

In an effort to ensure that relevant technical training is provided to the appropriate person, please nominate technical staff of IMS radionuclide stations directly responsible for the operation and maintenance of SAUNA noble gas systems.

Candidates must be proficient in English

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Nominations together with the relevant registration form should be submitted only through established official channels (the Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs) to the PTS point of contact, no later than 28 February 2026.

However, pending the official nomination, participants may email the registration upon its approval by a Director of the Institution or firm, to allow for timely travel and accommodation arrangements to be made by the PTS.

Please use the following registration form: 

Applicants are also requested to register online via the CTNW Platform of the Commission. 


FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In accordance with the staff regulations and rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and financial support to cover travel costs.

• The DSA will be sufficient to cover related expenses during the training programme;
• The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue and send the flight tickets to the participants for the most direct and economic route;
• Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their own tickets unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so and only if this proves to be most cost-effective option for the PTS;
• The PTS will book a hotel and participants will receive their DSA upon arrival in Uppsala; and
• Health insurance will be provided that covers the duration of the training;

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Visas
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding Embassy/Consular office upon receipt of an Acceptance Note Verbale from the PTS, in order to ensure timely processing. 

Note: The training program is open only for Station Operators from invited countries.