A LONG time ago, I did my Master's thesis on alpha spectroscopy at nuclear
power plants. I did all my research at Crystal River. I must admit I have not
kept up with the technology changes since the late 1970's but I suspect the
problems I had then might still exist now. At that time we used Ortec units
and the actual counting of the sample was relatively straightforward. The
problem was sample preparation because getting a very thin layer is critical.
The standard at the time was electrodeposition but I was using direct
filtration onto a Millipore filter. Claude Sill (an early pioneer/father of
alpha spec) was one of my mentors on this work and he was very helpful with
sample preparation protocol.
All that said, I suspect we may begin looking at alpha spec here at DCPP. We
have a number of challenges here that could be helped with alpha spec. We have
high radon backgrounds at times (tens of DAC) and low level 2 conditions
(1000-3000) in Unit 2.
Happy Saturday All,
Linda
Linda M. Sewell, CHP
Principal Health Physicist
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Diablo Canyon Power Plant
MS 119/1/117
PO Box 56
Avila Beach, CA 93424
P: 805.545.4315 | F: 805.545.2618| [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Holmes, Stephen J
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 9:41 AM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: Powernet: Benchmark: Alpha Spec
At Ginna, we are evaluating purchasing Alpha Spec equipment (such as the
Canberra Alpha Analyst with Alpha Apex software). Part of our justification for
this expense would be to reduce our reliance on independent laboratories for
performing alpha characterization (i.e. per the EPRI alpha monitoring
guidelines). We currently have Ludlum 3030Ps and MGPI ABPMs which use alpha
spec in a limited manner to perform radon rejection, but no true alpha
spectroscopy equipment. We would like to know what the rest of the industry is
doing; any experience, comments, or feedback are appreciated.
Do you have Alpha Spec capabilities at your facility?
If so, what equipment do you use?
What do you use the equipment for (e.g. radon rejection or a quantitative alpha
spectrum of individual nuclides)?
If using for alpha spectrum analysis, what energy resolution can you achieve?
What type of sample preparation is required?
Any other equipment strengths/limitations or lessons learned you would like to
share?
Thanks,
-Steve
Stephen J Holmes, PE
Sr. Plant Health Physicist, CENG-RE Ginna NPP
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
585-771-3577; 585-545-1661 (cell)
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