Survey of the 137Cs Contamination in Belgium by In-situ Gamma Spectrometry, a Decade after the Chernobyl Accident

In the present study a comparative evaluation of two methods for 137Cs determination (pretreatment for gamma spectrometry) is attempted. One of them is the conventional AMP (ammonium molybdophosphate, (ΝΗ4)3Ρ(Μo3O10)4) method (radiochemical treatment based on coprecipitation) and the other one is a method based on pre-concentration of cesium in situ by using the Mark III Centrifugal Pump. The pump, which is described analytically in the study, is composed of a motor (pump), four cartridge housings (containing the scavengers), a flow meter and a pressure tube (containing the battery pack and the timer board). For justification, this method is compared with the AMP co-precipitation one. Following up the radioanalytical procedures, the gamma spectrometry system (relative efficiency of high purity germanium detector 90%) is also demonstrated, as conformed to mea suring obtained parameters. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of these two methods are recorded and the application of each one is suggested.

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Accuracy associated with the activity determination by in situ gamma spectrometry of naturally occurring radionuclides in soils

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity ◽

10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.05.024 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 162-163 ◽

pp. 219-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

A. Baeza ◽

J.A. Corbacho ◽

J. Guillén

Keyword(s):

Gamma Spectrometry ◽

Activity Determination ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Naturally Occurring Radionuclides

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In situ gamma spectrometry using portable HPGe detector. Radiological characterization and environmental surveillance around an operating nuclear power plant. Possibilities and limits

Journal of Radiological Protection ◽

10.1088/1361-6498/ac4116 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jose Angel Corbacho ◽

A Baeza

Keyword(s):

Power Plant ◽

Nuclear Power Plant ◽

Gamma Spectrometry ◽

Nuclear Power ◽

Power Plants ◽

Activity Concentration ◽

Versatile Tool ◽

Ge Detector ◽

Radiological Characterization

Abstract In situ technique for measuring radionuclides in the soil using a portable Ge detector is a highly versatile tool for both the radiological characterization and for the monitoring of operating nuclear power plants. The main disadvantage of this technique is related to the lack of knowledge of the geometry of the source whose activity concentration is to be determined. However, its greatest advantage is the high spatial representability of the samples and the lower time and resource consumption than gamma spectrometry lab measurements. In this study, the possibilities and limits offered by in situ gamma spectrometry with a high resolution gamma portable detector in two common uses are shown: First, the radiological background characterization and its relationship with the geology of an area of 2700 km2 are assessed; Secondly, its potential for monitoring man-made activity concentration in soils located around an operating nuclear power plant in Spain for surveillance purposes is evaluated. Finally, high accuracy radiation maps have been prepared from the measurements carried out. These radiation maps are essential tools to know the radioactive background of an area, especially useful to assess artificial radioactive deposits produced after a nuclear accident or incident.

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PROCEDURES TO MEASURE MEAN AMBIENT DOSE EQUIVALENT RATES USING ELECTRET ION CHAMBERS

Radiation Protection Dosimetry ◽

10.1093/rpd/ncaa061 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 190 (1) ◽

pp. 6-21

Author(s):

F Leontaris ◽

A Boziari ◽

A Clouvas ◽

M Kolovou ◽

J Guilhot

Keyword(s):

Gamma Spectrometry ◽

Voltage Drop ◽

Field Studies ◽

Dose Equivalent ◽

Ionization Chambers ◽

Ambient Dose Equivalent ◽

The Mean ◽

Ion Chambers ◽

Ambient Dose

Abstract The capabilities of electret ion chambers (EICs) to measure mean ambient dose equivalent rates were investigated by performing both laboratory and field studies of their properties. First, EICs were ‘calibrated’ to measure ambient gamma dose equivalent in the Ionizing Calibration Laboratory of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission. The EICs were irradiated with different gamma photon energies and from different angles. Calibration factors were deduced (electret’s voltage drop due to irradiation in terms of ambient dose equivalent). In the field studies, EICs were installed at eight locations belonging to the Greek Early Warning System Network (which is based on Reuter-Stokes ionization chambers) for three periods, averaging 5 months each. In the same locations, in situ gamma spectrometry measurements were performed with portable germanium detectors. Gamma ambient dose equivalent rates were deduced by the in situ gamma spectrometry measurements and by soil sample analysis. The mean daily electret potential drop (in Volts) was compared with the mean daily ambient dose equivalent, measured with a portable HPGe detector and Reuter-Stokes high-pressure ionization chambers. From these measurements, ‘field’ calibration factors (electret’s voltage drop due to gamma radiation in terms of ambient dose equivalent) were deduced and found in very good agreement with the values deduced in Laboratory. The influence of cosmic radiation and the intrinsic voltage loss when performing long-term environmental gamma measurements with EICs, was estimated.

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