Journal article
An emergency response intercomparison exercise using a synthetically generated gamma-ray spectrum
Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority1
Radioecology and Tracer Studies, Radiation Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark2
Radiation Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark3
Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark4
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority5
Icelandic Radiation Protection Institute6
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority7
Institute for Energy Technology8
Although high resolution gamma ray spectrometry serves as the primary analytical technique in emergency response situations, chances for laboratories to practice analysing the type of spectra that may be expected in the early phase of such a situation are limited. This problem is more acute for laboratories in countries that have no nuclear facilities.
The analysis of synthetically generated spectra may serve as a useful surrogate for actual spectra; this paper reports the results of a multilateral intercomparison exercise conducted using such a spectrum. Results indicate that the laboratories involved appear to have no problems identifying radioactive isotopes that regularly appear in national and international intercomparisons or exercises.
However, some problems are evident for isotopes that are less often encountered which may, however, occur during the early phases of a nuclear accident. Isotopes prone to true coincidence summation proved also to be difficult with regard to correction of activities in some cases. The synthesized spectrum constituted a useful means of comparative analysis of complex spectra multilaterally without the impracticalities of using a sample drawn from a reactor.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | Springer Netherlands |
Year: | 2010 |
Pages: | 31-43 |
Journal subtitle: | An International Journal Dealing With All Aspects and Applications of Nuclear Chemistry |
ISSN: | 15882780 and 02365731 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1007/s10967-009-0042-6 |
ORCIDs: | Nielsen, Sven Poul |