Buchanan, E., Cresswell, A.J. , Seitz, B. and Sanderson, D.C.W. (2016) Operator related attenuation effects in radiometric surveys. Radiation Measurements, 86, pp. 24-31. (doi: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2015.12.029)
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115831.pdf - Accepted Version 501kB |
Abstract
Radiometric surveys using airborne, vehicular mounted or backpack detector systems are increasingly used to identify and evaluate complex distributions of radioactivity in the environment. The signals detected depend on the energy and spatial distribution of radioactive sources, the material properties of the environment and the specific properties of the detector systems employed. Materials in close vicinity to the detector such as housings, and intermediate materials may have a critical impact on detection efficiency, and must therefore be taken into account in calibration. This study evaluates the effect of shielding by the body of the operator in backpack surveys. Controlled experiments using point sources and absorbers, chosen to represent the form and composition of human tissue, were conducted, and coupled to an analytical radiation transport model to estimate attenuation factors for mapping of 137Cs. In this way generic factors to correct for this effect using portable spectrometers have been determined. The results compare well with observations at sampled calibration sites in Fukushima and the Solway area in Scotland. Reductions of the 137Cs full-energy peak intensity between 20% and 30% may be expected depending on operator stature and the offset position of backpack systems. Similar effects may be present for other radiometric systems carried by a human operator.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Environmental radioactivity, gamma ray survey, attenuation by human operator. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Seitz, Dr Bjoern and Cresswell, Dr Alan and Sanderson, Professor David |
| Authors: | Buchanan, E., Cresswell, A.J., Seitz, B., and Sanderson, D.C.W. |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > QC Physics |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre |
| Journal Name: | Radiation Measurements |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 1350-4487 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1879-0925 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. |
| First Published: | First published in Radiation Measurements 86:24-31 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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