Density correction — a better method for difficult samples
Date
2008-11-25
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South Pacific Radioactivity Association
Abstract
When most powdered samples are analysed using gamma-ray spectrometry, the ability to accurately determine the concentration of low energy nuclides such as Pb-210 (46.5 keV), Th-234 (63.3 keV), and Th-230 (67.7 keV) requires some degree of density correction. A general method has been previously discussed using a Ra-226 point source to determine attenuation through the sample. However relatively dense samples and those containing certain elements require a more complex correction process to obtain correct concentration data. In these cases it is not possible to accurately measure the Pb-210 peak in the point source through these samples. The point source method was extended using major element data and incorporated into an Excel spreadsheet. Results obtained from a number of different samples and matrices were compared with nuclide data obtained using a density correction algorithm incorporated in existing proprietary software. These will be discussed.
Description
Keywords
Sampling, Powders, Spectroscopy, Attenuation, Isotopes, Radium 226, Thorium 230, keV range
Citation
McOrist, G. D., & Bowles, C. J. (2008). Density correction — a better method for difficult samples. Paper presented to SPERA 08, South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association Conference, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, 23-27 November 2008, (pp. 50).