Calibration and testing of a TLD dosemeter for area monitoring

The response of a TLD-600/TLD-700 area dosemeter has been characterized in neutron fields around the 590 MeV cyclotron ring at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). The dosemeter is based on a cylindrical paraffin moderator with three of each type of TLD chip at the centre, and is intended to use for area monitoring around accelerator facilities. The dosemeter is calibrated in terms of ambient dose equivalent using a non-moderated 252Cf neutron source. The ambient dose equivalent response has been tested in five locations where the neutron fields and dose rates have been well characterized by Bonner sphere spectrometer and active neutron monitor measurements. The different spectrum shapes and dose rates in the five locations permit the comparison of the behavior of the active and passive dosemeters in these neutron fields.     

Comparative performance testing of Harshaw 8800 and KDT-02M TLD systems

The Soviet-produced KDT-02M system, which is still widely used for dosimetric monitoring in countries of the former Soviet Union, was compared with the Harshaw 8800 system. The comparison consisted of two stages. In the first stage workplace radiation fields were simulated in the framework of the IAEA intercomparison. In the second stage the two systems were compared when used in parallel by the personnel of Chernobyl Object 'Shelter'. Although in the first stage the Harshaw 8800 demonstrated better performance for various irradiation conditions, an obsolete KDT-02M also proved compliance with the basic requirements to the accuracy of individual dosimetric monitoring. In the second stage, more than 1200 paired measurements were performed, revealing good (r = 0.95) correlation between readouts of both systems. Deviation of the slope of the regression line may be adjusted by proper calibration. Although the KDT-02M system demonstrated adequate results for measurement of deep dose equivalent, its inability to determine shallow dose equivalent calls for its replacement with modem thermoluminesence dosemeters possessing this feature.     

Design of a finger ring extremity dosemeter based on OSL readout of alpha-Al2O3:C

A finger-ring dosemeter and reader has been designed that uses OSL readout of alpha-Al2O3:C (aluminium oxide). The use of aluminium oxide is important because it allows the sensitive element of the dosemeter to be a very thin layer that reduces the beta and gamma energy dependence to acceptable levels without compromising the required sensitivity for dose measurement. OSL readout allows the ring dosemeter to be interrogated with minimal disassembly. The ring dosemeter consists of three components: aluminium oxide powder for measurement of dose, an aluminium substrate that gives structure to the ring, and an aluminised Mylar cover to prevent the aluminium oxide from exposure to light. The thicknesses of the three components have been optimised for beta response using the Monte Carlo computer code FLUKA. A reader was also designed and developed that allows the dosemeter to be read after removing the Mylar. Future efforts are discussed.     

Development of a high range TLD dosemeter

Global Dosimetry Solutions Inc. has developed a high range TLD dosemeter capable of measuring high-energy photon doses to 1 KGy. Additional correction factors have been established for as many as 10 various X ray and beta sources, allowing for high range monitoring of other sources and energies from 500 to 1000 Gy. The product utilizes TLD-100 and TLD-700 chips, available in three different configurations of very small size, and is offered at an economical price. Data analysis is quick, providing results within 24 h in most cases. This report describes the testing completed to support this product, primarily the determination of the supralinearity corrections necessary for doses up to 1 KGy. The test results are considered preliminary due to minimal data points between 0.5 and 1.0 KGy. Additional irradiations are being conducted to establish a more accurate statistical curve at this high dose level. Due to the high dose residual these dosimeters are considered for single use only.     

The study of new calibration features in the Harshaw TLD system

The Harshaw TLD system has three key calibration procedures: the Reader, the Dosemeter and the Algorithm. These functions must be properly calibrated for the system to achieve the optimum results. For the conventional reader and dosemeter calibration, Harshaw TLD recommends a pre-fade and a post-fade of 24-48 h when calibrating the system for LiF:Mg,Ti type dosemeter. It is also recommended that keeping the fade time consistent is important to maintain the quality of the system performance. In recent years, new calibration features have been introduced into the Harshaw TLD models 6600 and 8800 operating systems. These new features are Auto Calibration, Auto QC and Auto Blank, and they give the user the ability to set up the clear-expose-read process to be performed automatically in a sequence for each dosemeter. This saves processing time and keeps the fade time the same. However, since the fade time is near zero, will it affect the TLD system calibration factors? What should the user expect? This paper presents a study of the effect of Auto Calibration/Auto QC to the TLD operation.     

Development and testing of an active area neutron dosemeter

This paper describes the design, development and testing of an active area neutron dosemeter (AAND). The classic moderator and central detector is retained but in AAND this arrangement is augmented by small thermal neutron detectors positioned within the moderating body. The outputs from these detectors are combined using an appropriately weighted linear superposition to fit both the ambient dose equivalent and the radiation weighting factor. Experimental verifications of both the modelled detector energy reponses and the overall AAND response are given. In the relatively soft D2O moderated 252Cf spectra, the AAND determined both the H*(10) and mean radiation weighting factor to better than +10%.     

Pre-irradiation and post-irradiation fading of the Harshaw 8841 TLD in different environmental conditions

The pre-irradiation and post-irradiation fading of a commercially available LiF:Mg,Cu,P thermoluminescent detector (TLD)-the Harshaw 8841 TLD-have been assessed. The Harshaw 8841 TLD comprises three TLD-700H chips (99.7% 7LiF and 0.03% 6LiF by weight) and one TLD-600H chip (4.4% 7LiF and 95.6% 6LiF by weight). Pre-irradiation and post-irradiation fading were measured for storage times up to 164 d and three different storage temperatures (-8, 25 and 50 degrees C). Dosemeters were irradiated in a mixed photon-neutron field so that the fading behaviour of the photon and neutron signals could be studied. The TLD-700H and TLD-600H chips exhibited complex changes in sensitivity and signal that depended on storage time, storage temperature and the type of radiation to which the chips had been exposed. However, the magnitudes of these changes in sensitivity and signal were relatively small. TLD-600H and TLD-700H, therefore, exhibit good stability of sensitivity and signal.     

Feasibility study of extremity dosemeter based on polyallyldiglycolcarbonate (CR-39) for neutron exposure

In nuclear facilities, some activities such as reprocessing, recycling and production of bare fuel rods expose the workers to mixed neutron-photon fields. For several workplaces, particularly in glove boxes, some workers expose their hands to mixed fields. The mastery of the photon extremity dosimetry is relatively good, whereas the neutron dosimetry still raises difficulties. In this context, the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) has proposed a study on a passive neutron extremity dosemeter based on chemically etched CR-39 (PADC: polyallyldiglycolcarbonate), named PN-3, already used in routine practice for whole body dosimetry. This dosemeter is a chip of plastic sensitive to recoil protons. The chemical etching process amplifies the size of the impact. The reading system for tracks counting is composed of a microscope, a video camera and an image analyser. This system is combined with the dose evaluation algorithm. The performance of the dosemeter PN-3 has been largely studied and proved by several laboratories in terms of passive individual neutron dosemeter which is used in routine production by different companies. This study focuses on the sensitivity of the extremity dosemeter, as well as its performance in the function of the level of the neutron energy. The dosemeter was exposed to monoenergetic neutron fields in laboratory conditions and to mixed fields in glove boxes at workplaces.     

Results of the EURADOS extremity dosemeter intercomparison 2009

This paper presents the results of an intercomparison for extremity dosemeters organised by the European radiation dosimetry group in 2009. In total, 59 systems were tested during this exercise including ring, stall and wrist dosemeters. A total of 1652 dosemeters were irradiated in the selected fields of photons and beta radiation qualities on appropriate phantoms (ISO finger and pillar phantom) in the dose quantity H(p)(0.07). All irradiations were carried out in selected accredited reference dosemetry laboratories (Seibersdorf Laboratories, Austria and IRSN, France). The results show that, especially at low-energy beta radiations ((85)Kr) and for beta irradiations with large angles of incidence (60°), many tested systems show pronounced under responses. On the other hand, for photon irradiations down to energies of 16 keV most systems showed good results. A participants meeting was held at IM2010 with discussion on both general aspects of this intercomparison and specific problems.     

Type testing of a new TLD for the UK Health Protection Agency

The UK Health Protection Agency is currently commissioning a new personal dosimetry system based on the use of Harshaw two-element thermoluminescent dosemeter cards using LiF:Mg,Cu,P. Results of extensive type testing carried out with reference to IEC 61066, "Thermoluminescence Dosimetry Systems for Personal and Environmental Monitoring", have been presented.     

基于ADS1232的高精度测试技术

为解决传统的高精度MD测量电路中需要在MD前端搭建多级放大器而带来的成本及检测过程中的漂移问题,采用24位超低噪声模数转换器ADS1232,并在设计过程中使用了多种单片机抗干扰措施,设计出来的高精度测试仪器在硬件和软件上都得到了简化,该系统可以得到-个可靠的高精度的测量结果,解决了桥接传感器的前端问题.实践表明,该系统工作稳定,性能良好.     

利用GPS技术进行汽车运动稳定性测试技术研究

在分析汽车运动稳定性特征的基础上,利用GPS定位技术开展了汽车运动稳定性检测和校准的关键技术研究.从目标任务、技术路线、系统结构等方面进行了描述,尤其较为详细地论述了系统软件的功能及特性,介绍了研究实验与行驶轨迹、速度、加速度、方位等汽车运动稳定性参量的现场测试,取得的结果为科学评价汽车运动稳定性提供了技术支持.     

A prototype personal neutron dosemeter based on an ion chamber and direct ion storage

Ionisation chambers are sensitive to both neutrons and photons. In order to produce a neutron dosemeter based on an ion chamber a double-chamber system which allows for differential readings has to be built. The system consists of one chamber with high neutron sensitivity (e.g. A-150 or polyethylene with 10B or 6Li compounds) and one chamber with low neutron sensitivity (e.g. graphite or Teflon). Different combined dosemeter prototypes were produced and their responses for standard photon and neutron radiation fields, as well as various field spectra, were determined. The feasibility of neutron dosimetry with ion chambers and direct ion storage (DIS) electronics has been proved. The results obtained with prototype dosemeters indicate the system's promising potential for legal approval in the future. Apart from dosimetric properties, the advantages of the system are its small size and weight, easy readout and relatively low production cost.     

ENEA extremity dosemeter based on LiF(Mg,Cu,P) to evaluate Hp(3,alpha)

Recent epidemiological studies suggest a rather low-dose threshold (<0.5 Gy) for the induction of a cataract of the eye lens. Some other studies even assume that there is no threshold at all. Therefore, protection measures have to be optimised and current dose limits for the eye lens may be reduced in the future. ICRP Publication 103 on H(p)(d), in §(136), reads that '… a depth d = 3 mm has been proposed for the rare case of monitoring the dose to the lens of the eye. In practice, however, H(p)(3) has rarely been monitored and H(p)(0.07) can be used for the same monitoring purpose… '. As recommended on the EU 'Technical recommendations for monitoring individuals occupationally exposed to external radiation', a test on the ENEA TL extremity dosemeter is herein reported. The results within the actual EU founded Optimization of RAdiation protection for MEDical staff (ORAMED) Project, whose WP2 is aimed at the quantity H(p)(3) and eye lens dosimetry in practice, are taken into account. The paper summarises the main aspects of the study carried out at ENEA-Radiation Protection Institute (Bologna, Italy) to provide practical solutions (in the use and the design) to evaluate the response of the ENEA TL extremity dosemeter in terms of H(p)(3).     

基于轴角转换的火炮伺服测试技术

针对现代火炮伺服电机通常都采用自整角机的特点,提出基于轴角转换的火炮伺服测试技术。由微处理器和数字-自整角机转换器组成伺服测试系统,通过微处理器装定数字量角度信息,由数字-自整角机转换器转换为粗精双速模拟量角度信息,然后传送给火炮伺服。由伺服带动炮身做相应的角度旋转,然后比较实际值和理论值,统计分析火炮伺服的精度、灵敏度和响应速度。该系统可以做包括阶跃、方波、步进、等速、正弦等多种测试运动,并且具有结构简单、操作灵活、可靠性高等优点,对采用自整角机做伺服电机的角度控制系统具有很好的示范作用。     

基于磁导率检测技术的传感器设计研究

磁导率检测技术是一种依据磁导率的变化检测铁磁试件应力集中状态和疲劳损伤程度的无损检测方法,可实现对构件残余寿命的有效评价。依据磁导率检测原理,针对棒状待检构件设计研制一高灵敏检测传感器,考察检测线圈绕线直径、绕线线圈匝数、激励电压对最佳检测频率和检测分辨率的影响。研究发现,最佳激励频率随线径的增加而减少,信号分辨率随线径的增加而增加;绕线匝数与激励最佳频率无关,但与信号分辨率有关;激励电压对最佳频率的范围无影响,但对信号分辨力有影响。该研究结论对研制高灵敏度的磁导率检测仪具有重要意义。     

Energy and directional response for the Harshaw dosemeter holders 8814 and 8891, and its effect on the appropriate radiation qualities for absolute calibration

The personal dosimetry laboratory at the Norwegian radiation protection authority utilises a two-element dosemeter card for measuring Hp(10) and Hp(0.07), in a Harshaw dosemeter holder type 8814. Energy and directional responses for photons and betas for this holder have been assessed, as well as for the new Harshaw holder type 8891. The energy response characteristics for the 12-1250 keV photon energy range, in terms of TL output per unit Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) have been evaluated. The maximum over-response to under-response ratio for the Hp(10) element was found to be 1.46 for the new type 8891 holder, as compared to 1.55 for the older type 8814. The new holder also displays a more favourable directional response for this element. For the Hp(0.07) element, no significant differences with regard to energy or directional responses were found. Selecting radiation energy for absolute calibration of the Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) elements are discussed.     

Characterisation of an electronic radon gas personal dosemeter

The monitoring of radon exposure at workplaces is of great importance. Up to now passive measurement systems have been used for the registration of radon gas. Recently an electronic radon gas personal dosemeter came onto the market as an active measurement system for the registration of radon exposure (DOSEman; Sarad GmbH, Dresden, Germany). In this personal monitor, the radon gas diffuses through a membrane into a measurement chamber. A silicon detector system records spectroscopically the alpha decays of the radon gas and of the short-lived progeny 218Po and 214Po gathered onto the detector by an electrical field. In this work the calibration was tested and a proficiency test of this equipment was made. The diffusion behaviour of the radon gas into the measurement chamber, susceptibility to thoron, efficiency, influence of humidity, accuracy and the detection limit were checked.     

Neutron response characterisation of an OSL neutron dosemeter

The neutron response was characterised for Al(2)O(3):C material coated with (6)Li(2)CO(3). Al(2)O(3):C material, an optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosemeter, which is sensitive to both photons and beta radiation but is mostly insensitive to neutron radiation. The Al(2)O(3):C material was coated with (6)Li(2)CO(3) to create a material sensitive to neutrons, beta and photon radiation. In this paper, the neutron response of this new OSL material (OSLN) will be compared with various other neutron measurement technologies in laboratory and field environments.