engleski

Application of a New In Situ Calibration Technique for Gamma Ray Spectrometry and Comparison of In Situ and Laboratory Measurements Taking into Account Realistic Croatian Conditions

After a nuclear accident, it is important to quickly measure possible affected area to determine where emergency and remediation measures are needed. In situ gamma ray spectrometry was developed to quickly measure large areas of land following nuclear weapon tests and possible nuclear accidents. However, a proper calibration of detectors for in situ measurements is a long and complicated process. One tool designed to make this calibration quick is the InSiCal software. InSiCal software can shorten the in-situ calibration procedure to a single measurement (combined with calculations). We decided to investigate if the method can be implemented in Croatia, within expected constraints of emergency situations (especially time constrains). We compared in situ measurements made with two different HPGe detectors calibrated using the InSiCal software and laboratory measurements of samples collected at the same locations. Detector calibration and in situ measurements were optimized for quickness, simulating time pressure present in case of a nuclear accident. Measurements of both in-situ detectors were reasonably close – in most cases the confidence intervals overlapped. In-situ measurements generally undershot laboratory measurements. Large uncertainty intervals at energies below 100 keV make short in-situ measurements unsuitable in that energy range. If the range below 100 keV is important, the duration of the measurements must be increased. Our findings suggest that in situ gamma spectrometry using InSiCal software can provide reasonably accurate data, but some improvements may be needed.

emergency, HPGE spectrometers, InSiCal software, radiation, radionuclide measurements

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