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Fully automatic quantitative analysis of alpha-radiation spectral data using a minicomputer.

D A Chambless, L M Parma, J A Broadway

|July 1, 1984

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Fully automatic computer programs now analyze alpha-spectroscopy data for uranium, plutonium, and americium nuclides. This enhancement allows reliable gross count determination without manual intervention, improving efficiency and accuracy in radiation analysis.

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Analytical Chemistry
Nuclear Physics

Background:

Alpha-spectroscopy is crucial for analyzing radioactive nuclides.
Manual analysis of complex spectra is time-consuming and prone to error.
The Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF) requires efficient methods for U, Pu, and Am analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and implement fully automatic computer programs for alpha-spectroscopy data analysis.
To enhance the reliability and efficiency of nuclide activity determination.
To integrate safeguards for detecting potential analysis invalidations.

Main Methods:

Development of specialized software for automated spectral analysis.
Installation and utilization of the software on a PDP-11/45 minicomputer.

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Implementation of mathematical enhancements for improved spectral processing.

Inclusion of error-detection safeguards within the program.

Main Results:

Successfully developed and deployed automated alpha-spectroscopy analysis programs.
Achieved reliable determination of gross nuclide counts without human interaction.
Enabled accurate evaluation of Uranium (U), Plutonium (Pu), and Americium (Am) nuclide activities.
Integrated safeguards effectively detect anomalous conditions.

Conclusions:

Fully automated analysis of alpha-spectroscopy data is feasible and effective.
The developed programs significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of nuclide analysis at EERF.
Mathematical enhancements and built-in safeguards ensure robust and valid results.