ASTM E181-17

Standard Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides

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 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2017
• ICS: 17.240 - Radiation measurements
• Technical Committee: E10 - Nuclear Technology and Applications
• Drafting Committee: E10.05 - Nuclear Radiation Metrology

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E181 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
1
Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides
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 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.1 These test methods cover general procedures for the
standard.
calibration of radiation detectors and the analysis of radionu-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
clides. For each individual radionuclide, one or more of these
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
methods may apply.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2 These test methods are concerned only with specific
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
radionuclide measurements. The chemical and physical prop-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
erties of the radionuclides are not within the scope of this
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
standard.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.3 The measurement standards appear in the following
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
order:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Sections mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Spectroscopy Methods:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Calibration and Usage of Germa-
nium Detectors 3 – 12
2. Referenced Document
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
Detector Systems: 13 – 20
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
C1402 Guide for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrom-
Detectors for Simple Spectra 16
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
etry of Soil Samples
Detectors for Complex Spectra 17
D7282 Practice for Set-up, Calibration, and Quality Control
Counting Methods:
of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements
Beta Particle Counting 25-26
Aluminum Absorption Curve 27 – 31
D7283 Test Method for Alpha and Beta Activity in Water By
Alpha Particle Counting 32 – 39
Liquid Scintillation Counting
Liquid Scintillation Counting 40 – 48
E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and
1.4 Additional information on the set-up, calibration and
Dosimetry
quality control for radiometric detectors and measurements is
given in Guide C1402 and Practice D7282.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on
2
Nuclear Technology and Applications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E181 – 10. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0181-17. the ASTM website.
SPECTROSCOPY METHODS
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E181 − 17
3.1.1 certified radioactivity standard source—a calibrated 5. Apparatus
radioactive source, with stated accuracy, whose calibration is
5.1 A typical gamma-ray spectrometry system consists of a
certified by the source supplier as traceable to the National
germanium detector (with its liquid nitrogen cryostat,
3
Radioactivity Measurements System (1).
preamplifier, and possibly a high-voltage filter) in conjunction
3.1.2 check source—a radioactivity source, not necessarily with a detector bias supply, linear amplifier, multichannel
analyzer, and data readout device, for example, a printer,
calibrated, that is used to confirm the continuing satisfactory
operation of an instrument. plotter, oscilloscope, or computer. Gamma rays interact with
the detector to produce pulses which are analyzed and counted
3.1.3 FWHM—(full width at half maximum) the full width
by the supportive electronics system.
of a gamma-ray peak distribution measured at half the maxi-
mum ordinate above the continuum.
6. Summary of Methods
3.1.4 national radioactivity standard source—a calibrated
6.1 The purpose of these methods is to provide a standard-
radioactive source prepared and distributed as a standard
ized basis for the calibration and usage of germanium detectors
reference material by the U.S. National Institute of Standards
for measurement of gamma-ray emission rates of radionu-
and Technology.
clides. The method is intended
...

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 − 10 E181 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
1
Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides
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.
2. Referenced Document
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1402 Guide for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometry of Soil Samples
D7282 Practice for Set-up, 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
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear Technology and Applications.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2010June 1, 2017. Published February 2010June 2017. Originally approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 20032010 as
E181 – 98E181 – 10.(2003). DOI: 10.1520/E0181-10.10.1520/E0181-17.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
SPECTROSCOPY METHODS
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E181 − 17
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 o
...