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Determination of 226Ra Activity Using Gamma Spectrometry with 226Ra-222Rn Disequilibrium
Qi Li1, Shilian Wang, Yungang Zhao
1*Science and Technology on Nuclear Data Laboratory, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, 102413, China; †CTBT Beijing National Data Centre and Radionuclide Laboratory, Beijing, 100085, China.
Health Physics
|June 25, 2015
Summary
This study presents a new method for measuring Radium-226 (Ra) activity by tracking lead (Pb) ingrowth. This approach provides accurate Ra activity results quickly, eliminating the need to wait for Radium-Radon equilibrium.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Nuclear Physics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Radium-226 (Ra) activity is typically measured indirectly via gamma spectrometry.
- This indirect method relies on detecting gamma rays from Ra progeny (Lead and Bismuth) after Radium-Radon secular equilibrium is achieved.
- Waiting for secular equilibrium can be time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel method for determining Radium-226 activity.
- To assess the feasibility of using Lead (Pb) ingrowth for rapid Ra activity measurement.
- To compare the accuracy of the Pb ingrowth method with traditional equilibrium-based measurements.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of Lead (Pb) ingrowth over time.
- Utilizing characteristic gamma-ray emissions from progeny.
- Comparison of results with established Radium-Radon equilibrium measurements.
Main Results:
- The Radium-226 activity determined by the Pb ingrowth method shows agreement with traditional measurements.
- The Pb ingrowth method allows for a rapid determination of Ra activity.
- Sufficient accuracy is achieved without requiring the wait for Radium-Radon equilibrium.
Conclusions:
- The Pb ingrowth method offers a faster and accurate alternative for Radium-226 activity determination.
- This method bypasses the need to wait for Radium-Radon secular equilibrium.
- The technique is suitable for applications requiring timely Ra activity measurements.
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