Analysis of {sup 90}Sr and alpha-particle emitters on air filters and swipe samples using a liquid scintillation counter with alpha/beta discrimination
- Chalk River Labs. (Canada). Environmental Research Branch
The capabilities of a Quantulus{trademark} model 1220 Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) for rapidly analyzing alpha-particle emitters and {sup 90}Sr on air filters and swipe samples have been studied. Counting conditions were established and the instrument was calibrated using quench standards of {sup 90}Sr/Y and {sup 241}Am prepared on membrane filters. A LOTUS{trademark} template was developed to analyze the spectra. The data were used to develop a method for estimating the optimum pulse-shape analysis parameter based on linear fits to the quench parameter. Linear fits were also used to estimate window settings for {sup 90}Sr and {sup 90}Y, the Sr/Y ratio and the counting efficiencies. The linear fits have been incorporated into the template so that they are all done automatically when the quench parameter is entered. Analysis of the spectra from a sample can be done in a matter of minutes. Sample preparation simply involves transferring the filter to a scintillation vial and adding cocktail. Since the counting efficiencies of the LSC are high, counting times of an hour or less can be employed. The study showed that the method produces results that are sufficiently reliable for air filters and swipe samples. This methodology was used to analyze swipe samples from CANDU{reg_sign} nuclear stations. The results revealed complex beta-particle spectra with a number of components present. However, {sup 90}Y could be estimated from the high-energy component, which was less abundant than the low and intermediate energy components. The swipe samples contained much less alpha- than beta-particle activity.
- OSTI ID:
- 350228
- Journal Information:
- Radioactivity and Radiochemistry, Vol. 9, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Demonstration of low-level biogenic fuel content using quench curve and direct liquid scintillation counting (LSC) methods
Determination of {sup 90}Sr, {sup 137}Cs, and alkali/alkaline earth elements in nuclear waste by ion chromatography and liquid scintillation counting