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HERO ID
3787185
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Shielding concepts for low-background proportional counter arrays in surface laboratories
Author(s)
Aalseth, CE; Humble, PH; Mace, EK; Orrell, JL; Seifert, A; Williams, RM
Year
2016
Volume
108
Page Numbers
92-99
Language
English
PMID
26720259
DOI
10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.12.033
Web of Science Id
WOS:000369205500014
Abstract
Development of ultra low background gas proportional counters has made the contribution from naturally occurring radioactive isotopes - primarily α and β activity in the uranium and thorium decay chains - inconsequential to instrumental sensitivity levels when measurements are performed in above ground surface laboratories. Simple lead shielding is enough to mitigate against gamma rays as gas proportional counters are already relatively insensitive to naturally occurring gamma radiation. The dominant background in these surface laboratory measurements using ultra low background gas proportional counters is due to cosmic ray generated muons, neutrons, and protons. Studies of measurements with ultra low background gas proportional counters in surface and underground laboratories as well as radiation transport Monte Carlo simulations suggest a preferred conceptual design to achieve the highest possible sensitivity from an array of low background gas proportional counters when operated in a surface laboratory. The basis for a low background gas proportional counter array and the preferred shielding configuration is reported, especially in relation to measurements of radioactive gases having low energy decays such as (37)Ar.
Tags
IRIS
•
Uranium
Uranium Literature Search Update 3/2017
WOS
•
Uranium Toxicological Review
Date limited literature search 2011-2021
WOS
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