ASTM E181-23

Standard Guide for Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides in Radiation Metrology for Reactor Dosimetry

ABSTRACT
These methods cover general procedures for the calibration of radiation detectors and the analysis of radionuclides. For each individual radionuclide, one or more of these methods may apply. These methods are concerned only with specific radionuclide measurements. The chemical and physical properties of the radionuclides are beyond the scope of this standard. Among the measurement standards discussed are: the calibration and usage of germanium detectors, scintillation detector systems, scintillation detectors for simple and complex spectra, and counting methods such as beta particle counting, aluminum absorption curve, alpha particle counting, and liquid scintillation counting. For each of the methods, the scope, apparatus used, summary of methods, preparation of apparatus, calibration procedure, measurement of radionuclide, performance testing, sources of uncertainty, precautions and tests, and calculations are detailed.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers general procedures for the calibration of radiation detectors and measurement for radiation metrology for reactor dosimetry. For any particular radionuclide, one or more of these methods may apply.  
1.2 These techniques are concerned only with specific radionuclide measurements. The chemical and physical properties of the radionuclides are not within the scope of this standard.  
1.3 E3376, Standard Practice for Calibration and Usage of Germanium Detectors in Radiation Metrology for Reactor Dosimetry, was previously in Guide E181 and is now found in Volume 12.02 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. The discussion herein is not a sufficient substitute for the full standard. This guide is specifically NOT to be used as a direct reference to Practice E3376. Only the standard listed provides sufficient information to serve as a reference.  
1.4 Additional information on the setup, calibration, and quality control for radiometric detectors and measurements is given in Guide C1402 and Practice D7282.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Feb-2023
• ICS: 17.240 - Radiation measurements
• Technical Committee: E10 - Nuclear Technology and Applications
• Drafting Committee: E10.05 - Nuclear Radiation Metrology

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E181 − 23
Standard Guide for
Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides in
1
Radiation Metrology for Reactor Dosimetry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E181; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This guide covers general procedures for the calibration
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of radiation detectors and measurement for radiation metrology
C1402 Guide for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrom-
for reactor dosimetry. For any particular radionuclide, one or
etry of Soil Samples
more of these methods may apply.
D7282 Practice for Setup, Calibration, and Quality Control
of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements
1.2 These techniques are concerned only with specific
E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and
radionuclide measurements. The chemical and physical prop-
Dosimetry
erties of the radionuclides are not within the scope of this
E3376 Standard Practice for Calibration and Usage of Ger-
standard.
manium Detectors in Radiation Metrology for Reactor
1.3 E3376, Standard Practice for Calibration and Usage of
Dosimetry
Germanium Detectors in Radiation Metrology for Reactor
Dosimetry, was previously in Guide E181 and is now found in
3. Terminology
Volume 12.02 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. The
3.1 Definitions:
discussion herein is not a sufficient substitute for the full
3.1.1 certified radioactivity standard source—a calibrated
standard. This guide is specifically NOT to be used as a direct
radioactive source, with stated accuracy, whose calibration is
reference to Practice E3376. Only the standard listed provides
certified by the source supplier as traceable to the National
sufficient information to serve as a reference.
3
Radioactivity Measurements System (1).
1.4 Additional information on the setup, calibration, and
3.1.2 check source—a radioactivity source, not necessarily
quality control for radiometric detectors and measurements is
calibrated, that is used to confirm the continuing satisfactory
given in Guide C1402 and Practice D7282.
operation of an instrument.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.3 correlated photon summing—the simultaneous detec-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
tion of two or more photons originating from a single nuclear
standard.
disintegration.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.4 dead time—the time after a triggering pulse during
which the system is unable to retrigger.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.5 FWHM—(full width at half maximum) the full width
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of a gamma-ray peak distribution measured at half the maxi-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
mum ordinate above the continuum.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.6 national radioactivity standard source—a calibrated
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
radioactive source prepared and distributed as a standard
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
reference material by the U.S. National Institute of Standards
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and Technology.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Technology and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
E10.05 on Nuclear Radiation Metrology. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E181 – 17. DOI: The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
10.1520/E0181-23. these methods.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E181 − 23
3.1.7 resolution, gamma ray—the measured FWHM, after continuum under the full-energy peak can be sub
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E181 − 17 E181 − 23
Standard Test Methods Guide for
Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides in
1
Radiation Metrology for Reactor Dosimetry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E181; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover general procedures for the calibration of radiation detectors and the analysis of radionuclides. For
each individual radionuclide, one or more of these methods may apply.
1.2 These test methods are concerned only with specific radionuclide measurements. The chemical and physical properties of the
radionuclides are not within the scope of this standard.
1.3 The measurement standards appear in the following order:
Sections
Spectroscopy Methods:
Calibration and Usage of Germa-
nium Detectors 3 – 12
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
Detector Systems: 13 – 20
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
Detectors for Simple Spectra 16
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
Detectors for Complex Spectra 17
Counting Methods:
Beta Particle Counting 25-26
Aluminum Absorption Curve 27 – 31
Alpha Particle Counting 32 – 39
Liquid Scintillation Counting 40 – 48
1.4 Additional information on the set-up, calibration and quality control for radiometric detectors and measurements is given in
Guide C1402 and Practice D7282.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1
These test methods are This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear Technology and Applications. and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E10.05 on Nuclear Radiation Metrology.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017Feb. 15, 2023. Published June 2017April 2023. Originally approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 20102017 as
E181 – 10.E181 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/E0181-17.10.1520/E0181-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E181 − 23
2. Referenced Document
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1402 Guide for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometry of Soil Samples
D7282 Practice for Setup, Calibration, and Quality Control of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements
D7283 Test Method for Alpha and Beta Activity in Water By Liquid Scintillation Counting
E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry
SPECTROSCOPY METHODS
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 certified radioactivity standard source—a calibrated radioactive source, with stated accuracy, whose calibration is certified
3
by the source supplier as traceable to the National Radioactivity Measurements System (1).
3.1.2 check source—a radioactivity source, not necessarily calibrated, that is used to confirm the continuing satisfactory operation
of an instrument.
3.1.3 FWHM—(full width at half maximum) the full width of a gamma-ray peak distribution measured at half the maximum
ordinate above the continuum.
3.1.4 national radioactivity standard source—a calibrated radioactive source prepared and distributed as a standard reference
material by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
3.1.5 resolution, gamma ray—the measured FWHM, after background subtraction, of a gamma-ray peak distribution, expressed
in units of energy.
3.2 Abbreviations:
3.2.1 MCA—Multichannel Analyzer.
3.2.2 SCA—Single Channel Analyzer.
3.2.3 ROI—Region-Of-Interest.
3.3 For other relevant terms, see Terminology E170.
3.4 correlated photon summing—the simultaneous detection of two or more photons originating from a single nuclear
disintegration.
3.5 dead time—the time after a trigge
...