Monte Carlo simulation of single and two-dosimeter approaches in a steam generator channel head.
In a steam generator channel head, it was not unusual to see radiation workers wearing as many as twelve dosimeters over the surface of the body to avoid a possible underestimation of effective dose equivalent (H(E)) or effective dose (E). This study shows that only one or two dosimeters can be used to estimate H(E) and E without a significant underestimation. MCNP and a point-kernel approach were used to model various exposure situations in a steam generator channel head. The single-dosimeter approach (on the chest) was found to underestimate H(E) and E significantly for a few exposure situations, i.e., when the major portion of radiation source is located in the backside of a radiation worker. In this case, the photons from the source pass through the body and are attenuated before reaching the dosimeter on the chest. To assure that a single dosimeter provides a good estimate of worker dose, these few exposure situations cannot dominate a worker's exposure. On the other hand, the two-dosimeter approach (on the chest and back) predicts H(E) and E very well, hardly ever underestimating these quantities by more than 4% considering all worker positions and contamination situations in a steam generator channel head. This study shows that two dosimeters are adequate for an accurate estimation of H(E) and E in a steam generator channel head.
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA. kimc@rpi.edu
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D006801:Humans; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011874:Radiometry