Alpha particle counting system at SANAEM. Preliminary measurements as a part of validation studies.

Alpha-particle counting at a defined solid angle (DSA) is one of the most accurate methods used in the primary activity standardization of alpha-particle emitting radionuclides. The important features of the technique are geometrically calculated efficiency and low background energy spectra. This paper describes measurement conditions of the DSA counter installed at Turkish Atomic Energy Authority - Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center (TAEK-SANAEM) and source preparation apparatus.

Results of an international comparison of activity measurements of Ge.

An international key comparison, identifier CCRI(II)-K2.Ge-68, has been performed. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) served as the pilot laboratory, distributing aliquots of a Ge/Ga solution.

A review of the TAEA proficiency test on natural and anthropogenic radionuclides activities in black tea.

A proficiency test amongst 15 Turkish laboratories with participation of 5 non-Turkish laboratories was organized to determine the Cs, K and Sr massic activities in black tea powder samples. The bulk material, consisting of tea produced in 2014, was mixed with contaminated tea that was withdrawn from the market after the Chernobyl accident. Nineteen laboratories reported 41 results.

Standardization of Pr activity concentration.

Pr (praseodymium-142), a potential radionuclide for brachytherapy, was produced after irradiating high purity natural PrO powder in a research reactor. The irradiated powder was then dissolved in acids and diluted for measurement. Several radioactivity measurement methods were used in the standardization of Pr radionuclide.

A review of the nationwide proficiency test on natural radioactivity measurements by gamma spectrometry.

This study is the review of the first proficiency test on radioactivity measurement organized in Turkey by Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center (SANAEM) of Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) in 2013. The objective of the test was to determine (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations in natural soil samples using gamma-ray spectrometry. The bulk material consisting of uranium- and thorium-rich soil and sand was milled, mixed thoroughly and sieved.

Calibration and efficiency curve of SANAEM ionization chamber for activity measurements.

A commercially available Fidelis ionization chamber was calibrated and assessed in PTB with activity standard solutions. The long-term stability and linearity of the system was checked. Energy-dependent efficiency curves for photons and beta particles were determined, using an iterative method in Excel™, to enable calibration factors to be calculated for radionuclides which were not used in the calibration.

Measurement of the 177Lu half-life.

The half-life of (177)Lu was measured by following the decay of sources with an ionisation chamber and with a liquid scintillation counter over a period of 85 and 42 days, respectively. The detector signals showed three major components: decay of (177)Lu, decay of (177m)Lu and the background signal. The half-life value, T(1/2)((177)Lu)=6.

²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K radionuclides enhancement rate and dose assessment for residues of lignite-fired thermal power plants in Turkey.

A total of 77 coal, slag and fly ash samples collected from six thermal power plants were measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. The average (226)Ra activity concentrations in coal, slag and fly ash were measured as 199.8±16.