Correction factors determination in large samples gamma assay using its own multi-gamma lines spectrum

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Accurate gamma assay of large samples, especially naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), is crucial for environmental monitoring and industrial applications.
• Traditional methods often involve complex calculations, detailed sample matrix data, and detector composition information, limiting their accessibility and ease of use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simplified and accessible method for gamma assay of large multi-gamma line samples.
• To develop a technique that bypasses the need for intricate mathematical procedures and extensive sample/detector characterization.

Main Methods:

• The study introduces a gamma assay method based on point source calibration.
• Correction factors for volume and self-attenuation are experimentally determined using spectra from samples of varying thicknesses.
• The method leverages two key principles: identical specific activities in homogenous samples of different sizes and the inverse relationship between gamma energy and self-attenuation.

Main Results:

• The developed method was successfully applied to large samples of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM).
• The technique demonstrated accuracy without requiring complex mathematical models.
• No specific sample matrix data or detector unit composition was necessary for the assay.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers an easy and straightforward approach for gamma assaying large samples, particularly NORM.
• This technique simplifies the process by eliminating the need for complicated calculations and detailed input parameters.
• The experimental deduction of correction factors provides a practical solution for accurate gamma spectrometry of bulk materials.