WM00 Conference, February 27-March 2, 2000, Tucson, AZ

LOW ENERGY GAMMA SPECTROMETER NAI(T1) VERIFICATION OF BUILDING SURFACE FINAL SURVEY FOR FREE RELEASE FOR UNRESTRICTED USE DATA Kenneth C. Conway BWXT Services Inc. Abstract Final surveys for free release for unrestricted use of building surfaces are subject to technical review. Alpha and beta surveys of building surfaces are affected by many factors such as calibration isotope, calibration source size, source composition, contaminant distribution, and surface condition correction factors. Reasonable disagreement between a licensee and an oversight group can occur. Demonstration of the validity of alpha measurements with a second monitoring technique is an effective method of preventing disagreement. The case study will illustrate how a Low Energy Gamma Spectrometer NaI(Tl) is an effective tool for the verification of alpha surface measurements for a Mixed Oxide (MOX) plutonium fuel manufacturing facility. INTRODUCTION BWXT Services has developed and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted, a practical, and cost effective technique to verify alpha surface Final Survey for Free Release for Unrestricted Use measurements conducted in support of the decommissioning of a Mixed Oxide (MOX) plutonium fuel manufacturing facility. The surface measurement verification was a critical component of the Final Survey. The fuels manufactured at the facility were typically 20% plutonium and 80% depleted uranium by mass. The dominant contaminants at the facility were plutonium, americium -241, and to a lesser degree depleted uranium. The contribution of uranium isotopes to the surface alpha emission rate was important in limited areas. Small quantities of fission and activation products were also present. An integral portion of the final survey are the assumptions made in the final survey process, particularly source composition, contaminant distribution, and surface condition correction factors. If these assumptions are not representative, the accuracy of the final survey results is open to question. Verification of final survey results with additional alpha and beta measurements addresses the thoroughness of the survey, and survey instrument performance, but does not test the validity of the assumptions made in the final survey process. Demonstration of the validity of alpha measurements by a second type of monitoring technique is a more effective method of preventing disagreement, as it tests the assumptions made in the final survey process. If the assumptions are correct both monitoring methods will yield the same result. In situ Low Energy Gamma Spectrometry (using a Bicron G5 Field Instrument for Detection of Low Energy Radiation ( FIDLER) in combination with a Canberra Multi Channel Analyzer (MCA) - Model 3502) was selected as the second monitoring technique. L Shell X-rays and low energy gammas were measured using the FIDLER. The method was chosen because X-rays and gammas are insensitive to surface roughness and surface material type, when compared with

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alpha emissions. In our experience surface roughness and surface material corrections are key debatable issues in the facility final survey. The final survey guidance documents MARSSIM Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual and Draft NUREG-1507 Minimum Detectable Concentrations with Typical Radiation Survey Instruments for Various Contaminants and Field Conditions identify surface roughness and surface composition corrections as the critical factors in interpreting final survey data. NUREG-1507 demonstrates that invalid assumptions for surface roughness and surface material corrections can each cause non-conservative errors on the order of a factor of 2-3. The FIDLER is a large area (126 cm2) thin-window (1.6 millimeter) NaI scintillation detector that is specifically designed for low energy X-ray and gamma radiation monitoring. Thin window NaI probes have high intrinsic efficiency for X-rays and gammas of these energies. The probe is effective in detecting 10 keV to 100 keV X-rays and gammas. It is ineffective in detecting photons of greater energy. This is a distinct advantage as it greatly reduces the interference from higher energy gammas and X-rays, which is present in thicker detectors. The FIDLER was used as a gamma spectrometer covering the energy spectrum up to 100 keV. Two regions of this spectrum are of particular interest for monitoring surfaces in a MOX facility. They are the L shell X-ray region between 10-21 keV, and the region around 59.5 keV Am-241 gamma. The FIDLER was used with a MCA to record the number of counts in these regions of interest (ROIs) and the entire energy spectrum. Biased survey locations were chosen throughout the facility for the verification measurements. The survey consisted of the following principal steps: Determination of Background and Regions of Interest. Determination of the gamma and xray emissions of interest in the 10 keV to 80 keV range for licensed materials and for relevant background emissions. Setup and Calibration of the In Situ Low Energy Gamma Spectrometry System. Calibration isotopes and method were selected and applied. Selection of Survey Locations. Biased survey locations were chosen throughout the facility for the verification measurements. Survey. Conduct of the survey. Data Analysis. Analysis of the spectra and the net count rate. If present, net X-ray peaks were identified and quantified. METHODOLOGY Determination of Background and Regions of Interest. Measurements in this verification survey were of transuranic L Shell X-rays. The original survey was of alpha emissions. Data from this survey would determine if the assumption that direct alpha measurements properly characterized the radiological status of each grid was correct.

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Plutonium isotopes, Am-241, and the uranium isotopes emit significant quantities of X-rays, in the energy range from 10- 20 keV (see Tables I and II). Table I, Site MOX Fuel Mixture X-ray Abundance and Typical Detection Efficiency, shows the calculation of X-ray detection efficiency for the facility transuranic mix. The data includes the L Shell X-ray energy abundance by isotope, X-ray abundance by energy and isotope, and isotopic abundance for each isotope in the Parks facility transuranic mix. Table II, Uranium L Shell X-rays Abundance and Typical Detection Efficiency for Depleted Uranium, is similar to Table I. It contains the calculation of X-ray detection efficiency for Depleted Uranium (DU), which was a component of the Mixed Oxide Fuels (MOX) manufactured at the site. Figures 1, Comparison of Spectra from Background Concrete vs. Am-241 and Figure 2, Comparison of Spectra from Background Concrete and Am-241 in The L Shell X-ray Region, compares a typical measurement spectrum from a background area to that of Am-241 (transuranics). Figure 1 shows the spectrum that is typical of the floor material background and a transuranic spectrum over the approximate range of 10 to 75 keV (channels 7 to 80). Figure 2 provides a similar plot over the range of 10 to 30 keV (approximate). It includes the counting window used for the transuranic L Shell X-ray monitoring. A background location in the site MOX fuel manufacturing facility was selected for an initial spectrum collection with a Bicron G5 FIDLER. An Am-241 spectrum was also collected using an NIST traceable area source. The FIDLER is a large area (126 cm2) thin window (1.6 millimeters) NaI(Tl) scintillation detector for low-energy X-ray and gamma radiation monitoring. Thin window NaI(Tl) probes have high intrinsic efficiency for X-rays and gammas of these energies. The probe is effective in detecting 10 keV to 100 keV X-rays and gammas. It is ineffective in detecting photons of greater energy. The spectra from the FIDLER used with a Canberra Multi Channel Analyzer (MCA) Model 3502 are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The site transuranic isotopes emit detectable low energy L shell X-rays in the 10-21 keV range. Am-241 an important constituent of the site transuranic isotopic mix (see Table 1) emits an abundant (35.7%) 59.5 keV gamma. Primary features of the background spectra are the low background region in the lower channels and the very large Th-234 peak at 63.3 keV. Figure 1 contains the TRU spectrum, which also has two significant features, overlaid upon the background spectrum. One is the 59.5 keV Am-241 peak, which is significantly overlapped by the large Th-234 peak from background. As a result, background for the Am-241 peak is very high compared with the remainder of the spectrum. The second is the L Shell X-ray peak region, which is in the low count rate region of the background spectrum. Figure 2 focuses on the L Shell X-ray region of the transuranic spectrum and the low count rate region., which coincide. Figures 1 and 2 show the rationale for the selecting the L Shell X-ray peak region as the primary ROI, instead of the Am-241 59.5 keV peak region. Setup and Calibration of the In Situ Low Energy Gamma Spectrometry System. The instrument was calibrated by a Certified Health Physics Engineer with the assistance of the Director of the Analysis Laboratory. Rapid temperature changes were avoided. The base data are:

WM00 Conference, February 27-March 2, 2000, Tucson, AZ

Sensitive range for the FIDLER Maximum Voltage Operating Range Temperature Rate of Change

10 to 100 keV 1600 Volts 39- 109 degrees Fahrenheit 18 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.

The transuranic 17 (10-21) keV X-ray complex and the Am 241 59.5 keV gamma complex are the two regions of interest. Before use a background measurement and a source measurement were performed and recorded for each region of interest and for at least channels 2 through 80. The post measurement spectrum on the MCA was observed for visible peak(s). It was also scrolled for indications of unexpected isotopes in the spectrum. Shielding was placed around the detector before use. The FIDLER was calibrated with an Am-241 source and a Pu-239 source. Both isotopes are part of the site transuranic mix (see Table 1). The windows were set using the Am-241 source, as the range of L Shell X-ray energies for Am-241 is greater than that of Pu-239. The Am-241 produces a much higher count rate and its peak is very stable. Efficiency was determined using the Pu-239 source. Plutonium is the dominant transuranic at Parks Facility and conservatively represents the radioactivity of interest for this survey. Its use avoids a possible overestimate of the overall X-ray detection efficiency. Am-241 has substantial emissions in the 26 to 60 keV range. Partially absorbed events could possibly register in the lower energy X-ray window and cause a higher apparent efficiency. The plutonium isotopes have no significant gamma emissions to cause a similar effect. As the alpha emitting transuranics being measured consists of more than 70% plutonium isotopes, the use of Am-241 for the L X-ray window could be nonconservative. The efficiency for the site transuranic suite was determined as shown in Table 1. Isotopic abundance and isotopic emission rates are reflected in the calculated efficiency. Cs 137 was used to over check the energy calibration, as it has useful 32 keV K Shell X-rays. The use of the multichannel analyzer allowed a precise window (region of interest) setting, window corrections to allow for instrument drift, accurate peak location, visual confirmation of the presence or absence of peaks of interest, and continuous monitoring of the spectrum. These features ensured the quality of the survey measurement and detection of possible low-level TRU activity that might be hidden in the background. Selection of Survey Locations. The MOX fuel manufacturing facility final survey records for floor and wall locations were reviewed. Five floor locations and two concrete block wall locations with more than 1.3 Bq (80 dpm) alpha /100 cm2 were selected for in situ FIDLER measurement. Each location had been decontaminated by scabbling. The surface roughness at the selected sites was considered typical for decontaminated areas of the facility. The sites were inspected and found free of dust, water et al, that might interfere with the measurements. Each location was 50 cm or further from the floor or a second wall. Previous measurements had found that survey measurements in locations

WM00 Conference, February 27-March 2, 2000, Tucson, AZ

closer than 30 cm to a second concrete surface were distorted and elevated. Survey. The survey was conducted by placing the FIDLER directly on the floor or against the wall within each selected grid at the grid center, where the alpha measurements were taken. A semi-portable steel framework jig was used to allow reliable long term counts on wall surfaces from 30 cm to 250 cm from the floor. The weight of the jig ensured its stability in a constant position. A source check was conducted with an Am-241 source, to ensure proper instrument response and to confirm the validity of the counting window settings. The response in the L Shell X-ray and Am241 59.5 keV gamma ROIs were recorded. The channels in which the L Shell X- ray, the Am241 gamma, and the Th-234 63.3 keV gamma occurred were recorded. The MCA was set to the survey time to be used and the count started. The counting times and resulting Minimum Detectable Activities (MDA) are in Tables IV and V. The counting times used were 240 or 600 minutes. Measurements were begun and completed between 0700 and 2400 hours, to avoid temperature changes greater than the manufacturers recommendations. After the count was complete, the data were recorded and the spectrum was visually inspected. The presence and location (or absence) of a L Shell X-ray peak, an Am 241 59.5 keV peak, and the location of the Th 234 63.3 keV peak were recorded. Data Analysis. The data analysis consisted of the following primary steps;

Spectrum Inspection for Transuranics. Each recorded spectrum was plotted and inspected for
the presence of definitive transuranic peaks (see Figures 1 and 2). These were the Am-241 59.5 keV gamma peak and the 13-17 keV L shell X-ray peak in the 12-21 keV L shell X-ray region. No definitive peaks were detected. The TRU alpha emitting activity present was therefor assumed to be less than the applicable MDAs.

General Spectrum Analysis. The spectra were reviewed for the presence of other gamma

emitters such as Cs-137, which has emits K Shell X-rays of 31.8 and 32.2 keV (ENDF/B-VI Decay Data) of 5.9% total abundance. Due to the resolution of NaI(Tl), the two emissions comprise a single peak.

Spectrum Stripping. The L shell X-ray ROI spectrum was stripped by subtracting the lowest
channel cpm count rate (see Figure 3 Background L Shell X-Ray Window for a typical spectrum).

Transuranic Alpha Activity Level Estimation. The slope of the 24-27 keV background peak

was inspected. The slope inflection point was determined. The inflection point was treated as the beginning of the detectable presence of Transuranic L shell X-rays. The gross area of a peakwas defined by the channel with a net zero count rate and the inflection point channel

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was determined. The background count rate for the peak was determined by multiplying the inflection point count rate by the number of channels in the peak and dividing the result by two. The net count rate for the peak was then determined by subtracting the background count rate from the gross count rate. The net count rate with the peak efficiency from the instrument calibration and the probe sensitive area (126 cm2) was then used to calculate the dpm TRU alpha emitters per 100 cm2.

The estimated TRU alpha emitting activity levels were compared with the direct alpha

measurements (see Table III). As the results were less than MDA (see Tables IV and V), the data were interpreted on the basis of the overall data set. The L Shell X-ray results were similar to but consistently lower than the measured alpha results. This is attributed to geometry effects and the presence of uranium. The TRU X-ray value average value is within 32% of the direct alpha measurement results. In only one of 7 measurements did the TRU Xray result exceed the direct alpha measurement, that result was within 32% of the direct alpha measurement.

DISCUSSION Direct low energy Region of Interest FIDLER measurements for transuranics on site concrete surfaces was not a feasible method for proving that a given location meets release criterion. The variation in background from location to location was far larger than the amount of detected emissions equivalent to the release criterion. However, MARSSIM releases of an area based upon comparison to a suitable background area are feasible1. Low Energy Spectrometry provided verification of the transuranic alpha activity levels on concrete, based upon the L Shell X-rays from 10 to 21 keV, although the results were below MDA (see Tables III and IV). The method was sufficient to provide a data set to which the direct alpha measurements could reasonably be compared. The over all trend of the TRU L Shell X-ray measurements is clearly consistent with the direct alpha measurements (see Table III) effectively demonstrating that they are representative or conservative. L Shell X-ray results were similar to but consistently lower than the measured alpha results. This is attributed to geometry effects and the presence of uranium. Most elevated measurements at the MOX facility are less than 100 cm2 in area. Use of the FIDLER with a probe surface of 126 cm2 divides the measurement results by a larger probe surface area than the 100 cm2 alpha probe used in the original survey. Uranium was a site contaminant with a lower L Shell X-ray detection efficiency than the TRU mixture. ISOCS (In Situ Object Counting System) Gamma spectrometry and sampling has confirmed the presence of enhanced uranium in these areas of the facility. L Shell X-ray spectroscopy needs to consider the poor resolution of the X-ray peaks. The L Shell X ray peaks are broad, flat and are more accurately described as distortions of the background spectrum (30% Full Width at Half Maximum ). The L Shell X-rays were selected as they are less subject to background interference than the Am-241 59.5 keV gamma. This includes cases
1

BWXT has obtained a Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved release for TRU building surfaces using a FIDLER and ROI counting in MARRSIM methodology.

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where measurements were attempted at a wall-to-wall or floor-to-wall joint, where the remainder of the spectrum was significantly affected by emissions from the second surface. Use of 59.5 keV gamma to detect TRU was infeasible at release criteria levels because of significant interference from background emissions, predominantly Th-234, a uranium 238 daughter. Emissions due to Depleted Uranium (DU), a MOX component were another source of interference. The major component of DU is U-238. Th-234 was so reliably abundant that its location in the spectrum was adopted as an important quality control check. Uranium is readily detected with the FIDLER. The significant abundance of the Th-234 peak in all site FIDLER spectra are a clear and convincing proof that the FIDLER is easily capable of the detecting the isotope and therefore its parent U-238 both qualitatively and quantitatively. The physical conditions under which the FIDLER is used are important. NaI(Tl) is temperature sensitive. The instrument is best used under steady state temperature conditions. Daily temperature change effects can be controlled by scheduling measurements in the relatively constant temperature periods of the day. In large concrete structures, these periods of relatively constant temperature proved to be from approximately 0700 to 1600 hours and from 1600 hours to 2400 hours. Overnight measurements in June and July failed as the temperature change was greater than the equipment manufacturers specifications. Postponing measurements from periods of unusual or unstable cold or heat should be considered when feasible. The mid summer measurement efficiencies are one-third to one-half of those realized in cooler periods. CONCLUSION NaI(Tl) Low Energy Spectrometry for verification of transuranic and uranium surface activity measurements is feasible and useful. It provides an effective means of validating alpha surface measurements and assumptions concerning the appropriateness of surface roughness correction factors. The L Shell X-rays are insensitive to surface roughness and surface material type, when compared to alpha emissions. The X-ray results can e used as a standard. If the alpha surface measurements are in agreement with the NaI(Tl) low energy gamma spectrometry results, the surface correction factors were correct.

WM00 Conference, February 27-March 2, 2000, Tucson, AZ

Table I Site MOX Fuel Mixture L Shell X-ray Abundance and Typical Detection Efficiency*
Isotope 11.6(8) 13.6(8)
17.2(8) 20.3(8)

Total L X-ray Fraction

FFTF Fuel Fraction (1)

Efficiency(2)

Total Efficiency(3,5)

Pu-238 Pu-239 Pu-240 Pu-241 Am-241

(7)

0.0026 0.00113 0.0024 0.000 0.0086 1.47

0.0406 0.0182 0.0378 0.000 0.132 22.86

0.0585 0.0216 0.0484 1.4 e-5 0.193 48.5

0.0138 0.0053 0.0120 0.000 0.0485 7.96

0.1155 0.0462 0.1006 1.4 e-5 0.382

0.0728 0.4402 0.216 5.04 0.272

0.318 0.318 0.318 0.318 0.318

0.00267 0.00647 0.00691 0.00002 0.03304 0.0491

Total% (4,
6)

*
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Drawn from the Los Alamos National Laboratory ENDF/B-VI Decay Data Base. The fractions listed are the relative isotopic abundance present when 1.7 Bq (100 dpm) of alpha emitting transuranics are present. The site MOX fuel mixture is aged to 1999. Efficiency per emitted X-ray. Total efficiency is emission abundance times isotopic abundance times efficiency per emitted X-ray. Abundance of each X-ray energy. The average energy is 16 keV for both the plutonium isotopes and Am-241. The net peak efficiencies were derived in an identical manner using the net peak data determined using the Canberra Model 3502 MCA . Typically the net peak efficiency was one half of the gross efficiency. NaI(Tl) efficiencies for these energies are essentially 100% for X rays striking the sensitive material. Am 241 L X rays are 67% of the total emissions for the site MOX fuel mixture, which is assumed to have been deposited two years before plant shutdown. L Shell X-ray energies in keV.

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Table II Uranium L Shell X-rays Abundance and Typical Detection Efficiency for Depleted Uranium *
Isotope U-238 Th-234 Pa-234m Pa-234 U-234 U-235 Th-231 Pa-231 Ac-227 Th-227 Fr-223 Ra-223 0.245 0.245 0.00039 0.0022 0.0366 0.00113 10-12 keV 12-14 keV 14-16 keV 16-18 keV 0.00049 0.1 0.0469 1.12 0.0487 0.31 0.964 0.454 0.0047 0.0105 18-21 keV 0.0042 Total L X-ray Fraction 0.0047 0.1 0.0469 1.12 0.0991 0.31 0.964 0.454 0.0051 Fraction of Uranium Activity 0.914 0.914 0.9128 0.00119 0.068 0.017 0.017 0.017 0.017 0.0168 2.3e-4 0.017 Efficiency(1) 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.00102 Total Efficiency 0.00105 0.02239 0.01049 0.00033 0.00165 0.00129 0.00402 0.00189 0.00

Total%(2) * 1.0 2.0 Drawn from Los Alamos National Laboratory ENDF/B-VI Decay Data Base. Efficiency per emitted X-ray. Based upon a Th-230 100 cm2 measurement using the Transuranic L shell X-ray window. Average energy is approximately 15 keV. Low energy 10-21 keV included in abundance of X rays.

0.044

WM00 Conference, February 27-March 2, 2000, Tucson, AZ

Table III Verification Measurement Results(1)

Grid AB2 AZ1 102 164 99 54 16 Average Room A18-wall A25-wall A36-floor A36-floor A36-floor A31-floor A31-floor 1. 4 (87 dpm)100 cm2 1.5 (88 dpm)/100 cm2 1.5 (90 dpm)/100 cm2 1.4 (85 dpm)/100 cm2 1.4 (84 dpm)/100 cm2 1.5 (91 dpm)/100 cm2 1.5 (91 dpm)/100 cm2 1.5 (88 dpm)/100 cm2(3) 1.0 2.0 0.8 (51 dpm)/100 cm2 1.3 (78 dpm)/100 cm2 0.2 (10 dpm)/100 cm2 0.8 (48 dpm)/100 cm2 0.8 (50 dpm/)100 cm2 1.1 (68 dpm)/100 cm2 2.0 (118 dpm)/100 cm2 1.0 (60 dpm)/100 cm2(3) Simple and Enhanced Counting Results of Selected Grids In the MOX Facility Direct Alpha Measurement L Shell X-ray measurement(2) 2 Bq (dpm)/100 cm Bq (dpm)/100 cm2

Release criterion was 100 dpm TRU alpha per 100 cm2. Results greater than 80% release criterion, triggered review and oversight. Approximately 1 in a thousand final survey measurements exceeded 80% of the release criterion. The L Shell X-ray results were consistently lower than the measured alpha results. This is attributed to geometry and the presence of uranium. Most elevated measurements at the MOX facility are less than 100 cm2 in area. Use of the FIDLER with its larger probe surface of 126 cm2 effectively averages down measurements made with the 100 cm2 alpha probe, when the source is 100 cm2 or smaller. Uranium was a site alpha emitting contaminant with a lower L shell X-ray detection efficiency than the TRU mixture. ISOCS Gamma spectrometry and sampling has confirmed the presence of enhanced uranium in these areas of the facility. The alpha and X -ray TRU measurements are consistent with one another. The indicate that the reported alpha measurements were representative. The TRU X- ray value average value is within 32% of the direct alpha measurement results. In only one of 7 measurements did the TRU X-ray result exceed the direct alpha measurement, that result was within 32% of the direct alpha measurement. Note: If the Am- 241 value slightly exceeds the proportions used in these calculations as is possible with older contaminant deposits, the actual X ray efficiency would be higher than that used.

3.0

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Table IV Counting Times and MDAs for The FIDLER X-ray Window Peak Counting
Window X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray 1.0 . CPM Gross Background (1) 82036 100154 67237 96547 17772 117912 95293 Count Time Minutes 600 600 600 600 240 600 600 Location Room A25 grid AZ1 Room A18 Grid AB2 Room A31 Grid 16 Room A31 Grid 54 Room A36 Grid 102 Room A36 Grid 99 Room A36 Grid 164 Efficiency 0.0104 0.0110 0.0104 0.0104 0.0133 0.0133 0.0133 MDA Bq(dpm)/100 cm2 2.9 (172) 3.0 (180) 2.6 (156) 3.1 (186) 2.6 (157) 2.7 (162) 2.4 (146)

The background varies directly with counting efficiency.

Table V Counting Times and MDAs for The FIDLER X-ray Window Gross Counting
Window X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray X Ray 1.0 CPM Gross Background (1) 250290 290389 278782 223259 176746 469101 450964 Count Time Minutes (2) 600 600 600 600 240 600 600 Location Room A25 grid AZ1 Room A18 Grid AB2 Room A31 Grid 16 Room A31 Grid 54 Room A36 Grid 102 Room A36 Grid 99 Room A36 Grid 164 Efficiency (3) 0.0186 0.0204 0.0186 0.0186 0.0195 0.0195 0.0195 MDA Bq (dpm)/100 cm2 2.8 (168) 2.8 (165) 3.0 (177) 2.6 (159) 5.6 (334) 3.6 (219) 3.6 (214)

The background varies directly with counting efficiency.

Table VI

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Statistical Data for Background

Data Type Average Median Population Standard Deviation Minimum Value Maximum Value Measurement Range 95% Lower Limit 95% Upper Limit 95% Confidence Range T value 1.0 Background(cpm) 425 428 22.9 383 455 72 374 476 102 2.228

The count rate in cpm that corresponded to the release criterion of 100 dpm/100 cm2 was approximately 5 cpm .

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9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
10 14

Th 234 63.3 keV Peak Am 241 59.5 keV Peak

Counts per M inute

L Shell X-ray Peak Area 10-21 keV

18 22

26 30

Figure 1 Comparison of Spectra From Background Concrete Vs Am 241

34 38

Channel Number

42 46

50 54

58 62

66 70

74 78

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Am 241 2 13.9 keV Peak 1.8 1.6 keV Peak 11.9 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0
14 16 10 12 18
17.5 keV Peak

Bkg.

Counts per M inute

20.3 keV X-ray Peak Am 241 26 keV gamma

20

26

22

24

32

28

30

38

34

Channel Number

Figure 2 Comparison of Spectra from Background Concrete and Am 241 in the L Shell X-ray Region

36

40

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Cpm Counts per M inute (cpm) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Net Cpm
25 keV Complex

L Shell X-ray Region

25 keV Complex

L Shell X-ray Region

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Channel Number

Figure 3 Gross and Net L Shell X-ray Spectra