Experiences in the determination of activity in thorium contaminated materials in working areas, using gamma spectrometer measurements, from the viewpoint of practical radiation protection.
In industrial processes, classification and clearance of thorium contaminated material is often a time problem. Short-term decisions have to be made about acceptance limits, industrial safety as the workers are in contact with the contaminated material. and the environmental aspect regarding the disposal of the wastes. The use of gamma ray spectrometry measurements is an easy method to estimate the level of activity in materials. Under the precondition of equilibrium of activity within the thorium decay chain, which can be assumed only with knowledge of the materials' history, adequate results can be produced in a reasonable time. The advantages of gamma ray spectrometry are the low investment and operational costs, simple sample preparation, and a system that is relatively quick and easy to operate.
Kreh
R
R
Siempelkamp Nuklear- und Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co, Krefeld, Germany. rainer.kreh@siempelkamp.com
Stainer
J
J
D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards*; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D012015:Reference Standards; D013051:Spectrometry, Gamma / Q000379:methods*; D013910:Thorium / Q000032:analysis*
D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D013910:Thorium