Field transportable beta spectrometer. Innovative technology summary report
The objective of the Large-Scale Demonstration Project (LSDP) is to select and demonstrate potentially beneficial technologies at the Argonne National Laboratory-East (ANL) Chicago Pile-5 Test Reactor (CP-5). The purpose of the LSDP is to demonstrate that by using innovative and improved deactivation and decommissioning (D and D) technologies from various sources, significant benefits can be achieved when compared to baseline D and D technologies. One such capability being addressed by the D and D Focus Area is rapid characterization for facility contaminants. The technology was field demonstrated during the period January 7 through January 9, 1997, and offers several potential benefits, including faster turn-around time, cost reduction, and reduction in secondary waste. This report describes a PC controlled, field-transportable beta counter-spectrometer which uses solid scintillation coincident counting and low-noise photomultiplier tubes to count element-selective filters and other solid media. The dry scintillation counter used in combination with an element-selective technology eliminates the mess and disposal costs of liquid scintillation cocktails. Software in the instrument provides real-time spectral analysis. The instrument can detect and measure Tc-99, Sr-90, and other beta emitters reaching detection limits in the 20 pCi range (with shielding). Full analysis can be achieved in 30 minutes. The potential advantages of a field-portable beta counter-spectrometer include the savings gained from field generated results. The basis for decision-making is provided with a rapid turnaround analysis in the field. This technology would be competitive with the radiometric analysis done in fixed laboratories and the associated chain of custody operations.
- Research Organization:
- Dept. of Energy Office of Science and Technology, Washington, DC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 335209
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EM--0399; ON: TI99002346; IN: OST Reference No. 1853; NC: NONE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
BETA SPECTROMETERS
COINCIDENCE METHODS
CP-5 REACTOR
DECOMMISSIONING
DECONTAMINATION
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
SOLID SCINTILLATION DETECTORS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT