A /sup 2/D(. gamma. ,n)/sup 1/H tritiated water detector with /sup 232/U//sup 228/Th source

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6066577

Baumann, N P; Winn, W G

A long-lived gamma source, containing 370 MBq of /sup 232/U (72 yr) and 110 MBq of /sup 228/Th (1.9 yr), was developed as a permanent replacement for neutron-activated /sup 24/Na (15-h) sources that have been used in a /sup 2/D(..gamma..,n)/sup 1/H tritiated water detector. The /sup 228/Th, which will build up to 340 MBq in 10 yr and then decay in equilibrium with /sup 232/U, emits copious 2614-keV gamma rays for the (..gamma..,n) process. Competing (..cap alpha..,n) backgrounds are reduced by placing the uranium/thorium source in a gold matrix to provide threshold and coulomb barriers against the reaction. The detection limits (approx. =0.01-ml D/sub 2/O) for typical stainless steel pipes (approx. =2 cm diam) measured with the uranium/thorium source are almost as low as those for comparable /sup 24/Na sources, which do not produce (..cap alpha..,n) backgrounds. This minor sensitivity loss can be offset by longer counting times, if necessary. Lower personnel exposure is realized with the new source. Overall, the practical advantages of using a longer lived source strongly favor the use of /sup 232/U//sup 228/Th instead of /sup 24/Na.

• Research Organization: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Savannah River Lab., Aiken, SC 29808
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-76SR00001
• OSTI ID: 6066577
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 72:3; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
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LIGHT NUCLEI
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
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NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
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