Radiation protection instrumentation. Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Ehrlicher ◽  
Heinz Pauli

A multidisciplinary institute, equipped with research reactors and accelerator-driven research installations produces and, in the case of PSI, collects radioactive waste on one hand and requires material, especially for shielding purpose, on the other hand. The legislative framework for radiation protection, financial reasons and limited storage capacity strongly force Paul Scherrer Institute and comparable facilities to minimize radioactive waste. Besides free release of inactive components, recycling and re-use of low-level radioactive material in controlled areas are the best means for waste minimization. The re-use of slightly activated steel plates as a shielding material and the recycling of irradiated reactor graphite as a filling material embedded in mortar may give examples and encouragement for similar activities. Besides the advantages for radiation protection, the financial benefit can be measured in millions of dollars.


Author(s):  
David G Sutton

The fundamental practical principles applied to any radiation protection problem are discussed. Types of radiation that may be encountered include α‎-particles, β‎-particles, γ‎-rays, neutrons, X-rays, or a combination. Each presents its own particular practical problems in terms of radiation protection, and the properties and practical principles that should be considered for each are outlined. The framework required to manage radiation protection and the practical techniques important in restricting exposure are discussed. The practical control measures of time, distance, and shielding that are invoked to restrict exposure from external radiation are considered for each type of radiation. Methods for limiting intake of radioactive material through ingestion, inhalation, and absorption to minimize internal exposure are described.


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