We propose to develop a portable monitoring system capable of detecting trace quantities of radionuclides in soils using a high resolution Cadmium Telluride array detector and a rugged multichannel data logger. The proposed monitoring system builds upon the design of a simple monitor developed to aid in the decontamination and decommissioning of a uranium plant. The simple system improved the speed and efficiency of contamination surveys during decommissioning. When configured with a shielded 2 mm Nal crystal, the unit was also able to detect trace quantities of uranium in surface soils and produced significant cost and time savings in the final environmental release surveys for the plant property. While successful in its intended application, the simple monitor had significant limitations in detector resolution, data acquisition, and portability that restrict its use as a general purpose monitor for field use. the proposed monitoring system should have the capability to accurately track trace radioactive contaminants and naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, and have the advantage of being small, waterproof, and completely field portable. Since the feasibility of the monitoring system has already been demonstrated, we propose to begin development of the system in Phase I.
Anticipated Results:The Phase I and Phase II work will produce a monitoring system consisting of a large CdTe array detector and a multichannel analyzer data logger. The final system will find use in decontamination and decommissioning operations, environmental monitoring activities, and in nuclear safeguards monitoring.
