Characterization of the Basement Premises of AMI by using TruPro® Technology


TruPro® sampling & characterization acquired 770 powdered samples from approximately 300 locations during 50 days, in a form requiring no sub sampling or sample preparation for alpha, beta, tritium, and gamma counting. Portable calibrated radiometric instruments used in the field included gamma spectrometry (ISOCS), Liquid Scintillation Counters (LSC) and the Gross alpha and Gross beta by the use of an ISOLO, a portable, alpha/beta counter.  The following was achieved:-

  • Operated without the use of water, to retrieve dry representative powdered samples,
  • Powered by a facility electric supply coupled to 50 meter electrical extension cables,
  • Removal of 770 discrete concrete and liquid samples,
  • Removed incremental depths of potentially contaminated concrete from predetermined sampling points sequentially to  depth,
  • Collection of all concrete particulate from sampling operations into specialized filter units with no risk or spread of  contamination,
  • Produced representative samples of 10 cm or more (determined from drawings of floor thicknesses for each sampling  location and material depth and,
  •  Retrieved incremental samples are in a powdered form ready for immediate analysis and for optimal counting by gamma  spectrometry.
Characterization at depth within the concrete matrix in near real time provided support for the evaluation of activation waste levels for the concrete and allows for immediate identification of contamination and increased worker safety awareness.  By utilizing a portable calibrated gamma spectrometer the analyses was performed in close proximity to sampling operations.  The results acquired from the concretes using TruPro® were used to develop detailed subsurface radiological gamma contamination.

 profiles and prepare a radiological characterization report.

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