Ultra-sensitive examination of environmental samples with SRL Underground Counting Facility
The ability to detect contaminants at very low-levels in environmental samples promises early identification and correction of harmful industrial practices. To achieve this capability, the Savannah River Laboratory Underground Counting Facility (SRLUCF) was developed. This paper appraises resulting improvements in detection sensitivity, and discusses recent applications. SRLUCF utilizes hardware and software customized for low-level counting. An uninterruptible power supply limits data losses. An MCA-coupled-IBM/PC-XT system collects HPGe, dual-coincidence NaI(Tl), and NaI(Tl) background spectra, which are analyzed by computer codes GRABGAM, GRABDUAL, and GRABNAI. These codes incorporate numerous efficiencies, integral peak-fitting, and comprehensive I/O-features. Spectral files may be transferred to any IBM-PC for further analysis. The facility improves detection sensitivity via extended counting times, background reduction, and improved detector efficiency. A constant background extends counting time from one to ten days.
- Research Organization:
- Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC (USA). Savannah River Plant
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-76SR00001
- OSTI ID:
- 6601210
- Report Number(s):
- DP-MS-86-203; CONF-870601-13; ON: DE87006384
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
510300 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
HIGH-PURITY GE DETECTORS
LOW LEVEL COUNTING
MATERIALS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NAI DETECTORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
SCINTILLATION COUNTERS
SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
SOLID SCINTILLATION DETECTORS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS