ASTM E181-98(2003)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides
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 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 methods are concerned only with specific radionuclide measurements. The chemical and physical properties of the radionuclides are not within the scope of this standard.
General Information
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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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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 – 98 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Methods for
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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.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
Sections
Detectors for Simple Spectra 16
1.1 These methods cover general procedures for the cali-
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
brationofradiationdetectorsandtheanalysisofradionuclides.
Detectors for Complex Spectra 17
Counting Methods:
Foreachindividualradionuclide,oneormoreofthesemethods
Beta Particle Counting 25-26
may apply.
Aluminum Absorption Curve 27-31
1.2 These methods are concerned only with specific radio-
Alpha Particle Counting 32-39
Liquid Scintillation Counting 40-48
nuclide measurements. The chemical and physical properties
of the radionuclides are not within the scope of this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3 The measurement standards appear in the following
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
order:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Sections
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Spectroscopy Methods:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Calibration and Usage of Germa-
nium Detectors 3-12
2. Referenced Document
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
2
Detector Systems: 13-20
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Calibration and Usage of Scintillation
E170 TerminologyRelatingtoRadiationMeasurementsand
Dosimetry
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These methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear
2
Technology and Applications . For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 10, 1998. Published January 1999. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1961T. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as E181–98. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0181-98R03. the ASTM website.
SPECTROSCOPY METHODS
3. Terminology 3.1.4 national radioactivity standard source—a calibrated
radioactive source prepared and distributed as a standard
3.1 Definitions:
reference material by the U.S. National Institute of Standards
3.1.1 certified radioactivity standard source—a calibrated
and Technology.
radioactive source, with stated accuracy, whose calibration is
3.1.5 resolution, gamma ray—the measured FWHM, after
certified by the source supplier as traceable to the National
3
background subtraction, of a gamma-ray peak distribution,
Radioactivity Measurements System (1).
expressed in units of energy.
3.1.2 check source—a radioactivity source, not necessarily
3.2 Abbreviations:Abbreviations:
calibrated, that is used to confirm the continuing satisfactory
3.2.1 MCA—Multichannel Analyzer.
operation of an instrument.
3.2.2 SCA—Single Channel Analyzer.
3.1.3 FWHM—(full width at half maximum) the full width
3.2.3 ROI—Region-Of-Interest.
of a gamma-ray peak distribution measured at half the maxi-
3.3 For other relevant terms, see Terminology E170.
mum ordinate above the continuum.
3.4 correlated photon summing—the simultaneous detec-
tion of two or more photons originating from a single nuclear
3
Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
disintegration.
these methods.
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E181 – 98 (2003)
3.5 dead time—the time after a triggering pulse during source should be used to check the stability of the system at
which the system is unable to retrigger. least before and after the calibration.
NOTE 1—The terms “standard source” and “radioactivity standard” are
8. Calibration Procedure
general terms used to refer to the sources and standards of National
Radioactivity Standard Source and Certified Radioactivity Standard
8.1 Energy Calibration—Determine the energy calibration
Source.
(channel number versus gamma-ray energy) of the detector
system at a fixed gain by determining the channel numbers
CALIBRATION AND USAGE OF GERMANIUM
corresponding to full energy peak centroids from gamma rays
DETECTORS
emittedoverthefullenergyrangeofinterestfrommultipeaked
or multinuclide radioactivity sources, or both. Determine
4. Scope
nonlinearity correction factors as necessary (5).
4.1 Thisstandardestablishesmethodsforcalibration,usage,
8.1.1 Usingsuitablegamma-raycompilations(6-14),plotor
and performance testing of germanium detectors for the
fit to an appropria
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