Method of determining whether radioactive contaminants are inside or outside a structure

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:862865

Lattin, Kenneth R ^[1]

---

1. Richland, WA

A measure is obtained of the relative quantities of radioactive material inside and outside a structure such as a pipe by obtaining two spectra of gamma radiation on a dummy structure of the same shape and composition. A first spectrum is obtained with a quantity of the radioactive element to be measured located inside the structure and a second spectrum is obtained with a quantity of the same contaminant located outside the structure. The two spectra are normalized to the same equivalent value in a portion of the spectrum that does not reflect the presence of gamma rays resulting from Compton scattering in the structure. Comparison of that portion of the spectra obtained where Compton scattering is a factor gives a measure of the relative amounts of contaminants inside and outside the structure on a spectrum obtained from a test structure. The invention may also be practiced by obtaining a plurality of spectra at varying known concentrations inside and outside the dummy structure.

• Research Organization: United Nuclear Industries, Inc., Richland, Wash. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(45-1)-1857
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4031387
• OSTI ID: 862865
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
determining
radioactive
contaminants
inside
outside
structure
measure
obtained
relative
quantities
material
pipe
obtaining
spectra
gamma
radiation
dummy
shape
composition
spectrum
quantity
element
measured
located
contaminant
normalized
equivalent
value
portion
reflect
presence
rays
resulting
compton
scattering
comparison
factor
amounts
practiced
plurality
varying
concentrations
material inside
compton scattering
radioactive contaminants
located inside
radioactive material
gamma rays
gamma ray
active material
gamma radiation
located outside
active element
relative amounts
equivalent value
compton scatter
radioactive contaminant
radioactive element
relative amount
/250/