3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
[MAG37-01] Operation of the Tokai Radionuclide Laboratory
Keywords:CTBT, IMS, Tokai Radionuclide Labolatory
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been operating the Tokai Radionuclide Laboratory (RL11) as part of the International Monitoring System (IMS) for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). RL11 was certified in 2006 and started full-scale operation. Radionuclide laboratory performs detailed analysis of particulate radionuclides in filter samples with air dust collected by the IMS radionuclide monitoring station, and reports the results to the CTBTO. The CTBTO controls the quality of the IMS radionuclide monitoring station based on the results of detailed analysis by the radionuclide laboratory. After certification, RL11 has performed detailed analyses on more than 300 samples.
In January 2020, we replaced the RL11’s analysis system due to the progressive deterioration of the high-purity germanium semiconductor detector over time. The technical issue with implementation of the new analytical system was to determine the detection efficiency of six different shaped samples sent from the radionuclide monitoring station. We calculated the detection efficiency based on the geometry of the sample using software, and adjusted the geometry to be more accurate based on the results of measurements using radionuclide sources with known activity. In addition, we introduced an end cap with a copper plate to prevent errors in the calculation of activity due to X-ray interference.
The CTBTO conducts an annual Proficiency Test Exercises (PTE) as part of the quality assurance of analyses at the radionuclide laboratories. At the PTE, we perform detailed analyses of unknown samples prepared for the PTE and report the results to the CTBTO. April 2021, we participated in PTE2021 with the new analysis system and passed all the assessment points and received the highest rating.
In this presentation, I will report the activities of the Tokai Radionuclide Laboratory (RL11) in the CTBT verification regime and the introduction of the new analytical system.
In January 2020, we replaced the RL11’s analysis system due to the progressive deterioration of the high-purity germanium semiconductor detector over time. The technical issue with implementation of the new analytical system was to determine the detection efficiency of six different shaped samples sent from the radionuclide monitoring station. We calculated the detection efficiency based on the geometry of the sample using software, and adjusted the geometry to be more accurate based on the results of measurements using radionuclide sources with known activity. In addition, we introduced an end cap with a copper plate to prevent errors in the calculation of activity due to X-ray interference.
The CTBTO conducts an annual Proficiency Test Exercises (PTE) as part of the quality assurance of analyses at the radionuclide laboratories. At the PTE, we perform detailed analyses of unknown samples prepared for the PTE and report the results to the CTBTO. April 2021, we participated in PTE2021 with the new analysis system and passed all the assessment points and received the highest rating.
In this presentation, I will report the activities of the Tokai Radionuclide Laboratory (RL11) in the CTBT verification regime and the introduction of the new analytical system.